FOOTBALL CANADA ANNOUNCES FINAL RESULTS FOR CANADA’S SENIOR MEN’S AND WOMEN’S FLAG FOOTBALL NATIONAL TEAMS FOLLOWING 2026 IFAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team captured gold and an Olympic berth for LA28, while the Senior Men’s National Team earned bronze and secured its own Olympic berth, marking a historic tournament for Canada.

Canada’s Senior Women’s and Men’s Flag Football National Teams have wrapped up competition at the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany, with both teams securing Olympic qualification for LA28. Canada’s women captured the world championship with a 27–20 victory over the United States, while the men earned bronze with a 34–26 overtime win over Mexico. Held August 13–16, the championships brought together 32 teams from 19 countries, with Canada competing among the world’s best as flag football builds toward its Olympic debut in Los Angeles.

In the championship game, Canada overcame an early deficit against the United States with a strong offensive performance and steadily built momentum throughout the game. Frédérique Morneau (3) and Caroline Moquin-Joubert (1) each scored touchdowns, while quarterback Sara Parker connected with Moquin-Joubert and Alexane Fournier on key passes to keep Canada’s offence moving, ultimately securing a 27–20 victory and the world championship title.

Canada’s results and stand out performances:

• Women’s team won the championship with a clean sheet, securing gold at the tournament against USA (27-20) and a berth to the LA Olympics 
• Quarterback Sara Parker was named the tournament MVP following a standout performance throughout the tournament, contributing to 23 touchdown passes.
• Men’s team won bronze in overtime against Mexico (34-26), securing their berth to the LA Olympics in 2028

• Both senior teams went undefeated on Day 1, establishing Canada as a tournament contender from the outset.
• Men’s Senior team opens championship with a 26-6 win over Austria, ranked #2 in the world, with Michael O’Conor (QB) throwing 4 touchdowns
• Strong pool performance for both teams with the women finishing 3–0, and the men 2–1, sending both teams into the quarterfinals.
• Canada’s defence ranked No. 1 throughout the tournament, playing a key role in both teams’ medal runs and Olympic qualification.
• The women’s medal games were officiated by an all-female referee crew, marking a historic first for the tournament and representing a significant milestone for gender equality across the ITO officiating staff.

“This has been an incredible tournament for our national teams and an important moment for the growth of flag football in Canada. Both our men’s and women’s teams competed against the best in the world and showed the skill, determination and resilience that it takes to compete at this level,” said Eva Havaris, Chief Executive Officer, Football Canada “We’re incredibly proud of how they represented Canada throughout these World Championships and of what they’ve accomplished on the road to LA28. This tournament has shown just how much potential there is for flag football in Canada, and we’re excited to build on this momentum as we look ahead to the sport’s Olympic debut”

With Olympic qualification secured, both senior national teams now turn their focus to LA28 and the opportunity to represent Canada on the world’s biggest sporting stage. The teams will continue to build on the experience gained at the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships as they prepare for flag football’s Olympic debut in Los Angeles.

“Congratulations to Football Canada and the Canadian women’s and men’s flag football teams who have qualified Canada’s first spots for the LA 2028 Olympic Games. With flag football making its Olympic debut in LA, we are thrilled to have already secured a spot for Team Canada, and we are delighted to be able to support this program on the road to making Olympic history. We are so proud of this team, and we can’t wait for more Canadians to discover this sport as they celebrate the Olympic journeys of Canadian flag football athletes.” – Eric Myles, Chief Sport Officer, Canadian Olympic Committee

You can learn more about how to support your Canadian Senior Men’s and Women’s National Flag Football teams here.

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About Football Canada

Football Canada is the national governing body for amateur football in Canada and is committed to developing, promoting, and growing tackle, flag, and touch football across the country, from grassroots participation to high-performance national teams.

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Emma McCamus
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Football Canada
emccamus@footballcanada.com
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Victoria Mattacchione
Football Canada, Communications
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