The flag football world championship concluded in Düsseldorf, Germany, where the United States men captured their sixth consecutive title and Canada secured the women's championship, guaranteeing both nations berths at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Men's Final Highlights
In the men's final, the United States routed Italy 46-26, a dominant performance that reinforced their position at the top of the sport.
Women's Crown and Olympic Path
The Canadian women edged the United States 27-20 in a tightly contested championship game, delivering the country its third world title and first since 2014.
Mexico's women claimed bronze by defeating Great Britain, a result that not only placed them on the podium but also granted the nation a direct ticket to the 2028 Olympics.
Canada's men also secured an Olympic spot after a 34-26 overtime victory over Mexico, underscoring the growing competitiveness of the tournament.
The event served as a qualifier, with the top two men's and women's teams joining the United States, which had already earned a host berth for the 2028 Games.
Beyond the podium, the International Federation of American Football highlighted flag football's inclusion among five new Olympic sports for 2028, emphasizing its five‑on‑five format, non‑tackling nature and focus on speed and agility.
The NFL announced plans to launch professional flag football leagues for both genders ahead of the Games, a move that could professionalize the sport and broaden its audience.
As the sport prepares for its Olympic debut, quarterback Nico Casares of the U.S. men reflected on the team's mantra, saying “Gold is the only standard,” a sentiment that resonates with fans worldwide.