Canada is one of the nations aiming to secure the initial spots for the 2028 Los Angeles Games at the ongoing world championships in Germany, as flag football is set to debut in the Olympics. In both the men’s and women’s Olympics tournaments, two spots are available, with each tournament consisting of six teams. The United States, a dominant force in flag football, receives an automatic entry, while the remaining spots will be determined through a qualifier in Montreal in June 2028.
Although the world championships do not guarantee an Olympic ticket, it would be advantageous to secure a spot now and avoid the pressure of the last-chance qualifier in the coming years.
Sixteen teams are participating in the men’s and women’s tournaments in Germany, split into groups for the preliminary round. The top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout stage starting on Saturday, with the medal games scheduled for Sunday, determining the world champions and the Olympic qualifiers.
The Canadian women will face Panama, Brazil, and Japan in the group stage matches, while the men’s team will compete against Austria, Japan, and will receive a default win against Nigeria due to visa issues faced by the latter.
Canada’s women’s team, ranked fourth globally, has a strong history in the sport, having won the world championship twice. The men’s team, with one world title to their name, is currently ranked 10th and faces tough competition from higher-ranked teams in their group.
The introduction of flag football at the 2028 Olympics sparked speculation about NFL and CFL players joining the national teams. However, the distinct differences between flag and tackle football were evident in a recent exhibition tournament, showcasing the unique skills and strategies required for flag football success.
The Canadian national teams, featuring former NFL and CFL players, are well-prepared for the world championships. Fans can catch the action live on CBC Gem and the CBC Sports website, with the tournament kicking off at 2 a.m. ET on Thursday.
