The Canadian women’s flag football team has secured a spot in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles after defeating Mexico 20-6 in the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship semifinal held in Duesseldorf, Germany.
Expressing her pride in the team, Canadian women’s team head coach Rachel Lessard highlighted the discipline, resilience, and trust that the team has demonstrated throughout the qualification process. The team’s achievement at the 2026 IFAF Flag Football world championships has solidified their place in the upcoming Olympics.
With flag football set to make its Olympic debut in 2028, the top two countries from both the men’s and women’s world championships automatically qualified. However, the United States, as the host nation, could secure additional spots if they reached the finals.
The Canadian women’s team is set to face the U.S. in the world championship final, with the winner claiming the title. Meanwhile, Mexico and Britain will compete for the remaining women’s Olympic berth in the bronze-medal match.
In the men’s category, Canada faced a 41-36 defeat against Italy in the semifinals but still had a chance to secure an Olympic spot in the bronze-medal match against Mexico. The U.S. emerged victorious with a 42-40 win over Mexico and will compete against Italy for the men’s gold medal.
Beyond the world championships, countries can also qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics through continental championships next year and a subsequent qualifying series.
Football Canada’s CEO, Eva Havaris, commended the women’s flag football team for their hard work and exceptional performance, emphasizing their well-deserved place on the Olympic stage. The team’s success has been a result of their dedication and outstanding skills.
Key players in the Canadian women’s team, including Sara Parker, Silvia Contreras, Caroline Moquin-Joubert, and Alexane Fournier, made significant contributions in the semifinal match. Similarly, James Drysdale, Jackson Tachinski, and Antony Auclair showcased their talent for Canada’s men’s team despite the semifinal loss.
