The Canadian women’s flag football team has secured a spot at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles after defeating Mexico 20-6 in a semifinal match at the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship held in Duesseldorf, Germany.
Expressing her pride in the team, head coach Rachel Lessard highlighted the discipline, resilience, and trust that the team has developed throughout the process, leading to their qualification for the 2028 Olympics. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Canadian flag football, showcasing its upward trajectory and contribution to the sport’s growth.
The top two teams from both the men’s and women’s world championships have earned qualification for the 2028 Olympics, which will feature flag football for the first time. Additionally, if the United States, as the host country, reaches the final, the top three finishers will secure spots in Los Angeles.
The Canadian women’s team is set to face the U.S. in the world championship final after the U.S. secured a 27-21 victory over Britain in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Mexico and Britain will compete for the remaining women’s Olympic spot in the bronze-medal match.
Despite a 41-36 loss to Italy in the semifinals, the Canadian men’s team still has an opportunity to secure an Olympic berth in the bronze-medal match against Mexico. The U.S. will compete against Italy for the men’s gold at the world championship.
In addition to the world championships, countries can also qualify for the 2028 Olympics through continental championships next year and a subsequent qualifying series. Canada’s strong performance in the quarterfinals, with the men defeating American Samoa 24-14 and the women triumphing over Austria 40-12, showcased their competitive edge.
Football Canada’s CEO, Eva Havaris, commended the women’s flag football team for their hard work and outstanding performance, emphasizing their well-deserved qualification for the Olympics. The team’s success was fueled by standout performances from players like Sara Parker, Silvia Contreras, Caroline Moquin-Joubert, and Alexane Fournier.
As the Canadian teams gear up for the Olympics, the nation eagerly anticipates their performance on the global stage in Los Angeles.