A Milestone Year for Flag Football
The 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championship will bring together the world’s best squads in Düsseldorf, Germany, from August 13 to 16, marking a pivotal moment as the sport readies for its Olympic introduction at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Among the selected athletes is Laneah Bryan, a standout from El Paso who has earned a spot on the U.S. Women’s National Team. Her inclusion underscores both her consistent performance and the depth of talent the United States continues to cultivate.
From College Courts to International Fields
Bryan’s athletic journey began on the basketball hardwood at Franklin High School, where she attracted attention that led to a scholarship at the University of New Mexico. There she honed the agility and strategic mindset that later translated to flag football, a sport that blends speed with tactical precision.
A Squad With Momentum
The U.S. Women’s National Team enters the tournament fresh off a series of triumphs, having captured the past three world championships and currently holding the second spot in the global rankings. Recent victories in China, Finland and Panama have reinforced the team’s reputation as a dominant force.
USA Football and the International Federation of American Football have overseen a rigorous preparation process, including a third training camp at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, where chemistry and strategy are refined under intense conditions.
Looking Ahead to 2028
While the immediate focus is on Düsseldorf, Bryan and her teammates are already eyeing the 2028 Olympic debut in Los Angeles. Success in Germany would not only add another title to their résumé but also bolster the case for greater visibility and investment in women’s flag football worldwide.
The excitement extends beyond the field, as the tournament will showcase the growing popularity of the sport across continents, from the Americas to Europe and Asia. Fans in El Paso and across the United States will be watching closely as their compatriot competes on an international stage.
With a roster that includes players such as Deliah Autry‑Jones, NyKeeta Christopher, Kennedy Foster, Madison Fulford, Isabella Geraci, Loryn Goodwin, Akemi Higa, Brooklin Hill, Maci Joncich, Ashlea Klam, Kendra Meredith, Amber Clark‑Robinson, Ashley Edwards, Valentina Fanetti, O'Mariah Gordon, Brianna Hernandez‑Silva and London Jenkins, the team blends experience with fresh energy, promising a competitive and inspiring performance.