Canada’s women’s flag football team emerged victorious against the United States to secure the world championship 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 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The women’s team, having already secured a spot with a 20-6 win in the semifinals against top-ranked Mexico, concluded a flawless tournament with a 27-20 win over the American team in the final match.
Frederique Morneau made three touchdown catches for Canada, with quarterback Sara Parker connecting with Caroline Moquin-Joubert for another score. Parker, who recorded a total of 23 touchdown passes, was honored as the most valuable player of the women’s tournament.
In the men’s division, Canada clinched their place in the 2028 Olympics by defeating Mexico 34-26 in the third-place game. Quarterback Michael O’Connor led the Canadian team with 294 yards and five touchdowns. Former NFL tight end Antony Auclair contributed significantly with 149 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions from O’Connor, while Daniel Petermann and James Drysdale also added to the scoring tally.
With the top two teams from each flag football event, excluding the host Americans, earning Olympic qualification, Canada’s loss to Italy in the men’s semifinals turned into an Olympic berth showdown during the third-place game when the American men advanced to the final as well.
Canada’s head coach, Paul LaPolice, expressed his pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that led to the Olympic qualification. LaPolice highlighted the significance of both the men’s and women’s teams qualifying simultaneously, indicating a promising future for Canadian flag football.
In the men’s final, the U.S emerged victorious over Italy with a score of 42-26, securing the championship title.
