Canada’s women’s flag football team emerged victorious against the United States to secure the world title, while the men’s team secured a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championships held in Düsseldorf, Germany. The women’s team, having already secured a spot with a 20-6 win over top-seeded Mexico in the semifinals, sealed a flawless tournament with a 27-20 triumph over the Americans in the finals.
Frederique Morneau stood out with three touchdown receptions for Canada, while Quarterback Sara Parker connected with Caroline Moquin-Joubert for another score. Parker, with a total of 23 touchdown passes, was honored as the most valuable player of the women’s tournament.
The Canadian men’s team also earned a spot at the 2028 Games by defeating Mexico 34-26 in the third-place match. Quarterback Michael O’Connor led the team with 294 yards and five touchdowns, with former NFL tight end Antony Auclair contributing 149 receiving yards and two touchdown catches. Daniel Petermann scored twice, and James Drysdale added another touchdown.
Both Canadian teams secured their Olympic berths, with the top two teams from each flag event, excluding the host Americans, qualifying for the Los Angeles Olympics. Despite Canada’s loss to Italy in the men’s semifinals, they clinched the Olympic spot in the third-place match as the American men advanced to the final.
Head coach Paul LaPolice expressed his pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that led to the Olympic qualification. He highlighted the significance of both the men’s and women’s teams qualifying together, indicating a positive trajectory for Canadian flag football.
In the men’s final, the U.S claimed victory over Italy with a score of 42-26, concluding the championship event.