Canada is one of the nations aiming to secure spots in the 2028 Los Angeles Games through the flag football world championships happening this week in Germany. The event marks the sport’s debut in the Olympics, with two slots available for both men’s and women’s tournaments, each consisting of six teams. While the United States, a dominant force in flag football, has an automatic entry as the host, the remaining spots will be determined through a qualifier in Montreal in June 2028.
Although winning at the world championships is not essential for Olympic qualification, teams would prefer to secure a spot early rather than relying on the last-chance qualifier. Sixteen teams in each gender category are participating in the preliminary round, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The medal matches, determining the world champions and Olympic qualifiers, will take place on Sunday.
The Canadian women’s team, ranked fourth globally, will face Panama, Brazil, and Japan in the group stage matches. The Canadian men’s team, ranked 10th, will compete against Austria, Japan, and received a free win after Nigeria withdrew due to visa issues.
Flag football differs significantly from tackle football, as highlighted in a recent exhibition tournament where NFL stars struggled against flag football specialists. The Canadian teams are led by experienced players, including former NFL and CFL athletes, enhancing their competitive edge. The championships can be watched live on CBC Gem and the CBC Sports website, starting at 2 a.m. ET on Thursday.
Overall, the flag football world championships serve as a crucial opportunity for teams like Canada to secure early Olympic berths and showcase their skills on the global stage.