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 the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship semifinal in Duesseldorf, Germany. Head coach Rachel Lessard expressed pride in the team’s achievement, attributing their success to discipline, resilience, and trust.
Canada’s qualification for the 2028 Olympics comes as a testament to the team’s hard work and progress in the sport. The top two teams from both the men’s and women’s world championships have earned their spots for the upcoming Olympic debut of flag football. In the event that the United States, as the host nation, reaches the finals, the top three finishers will qualify for the Games.
The Canadian women’s team will face the U.S. in the world championship final, while Mexico and Britain will compete for the remaining women’s Olympic berth in the bronze-medal match. Despite a 41-36 loss to Italy in the men’s semifinals, Canada still has a chance to secure an Olympic spot in the bronze-medal game against Mexico.
The U.S. emerged victorious with a 42-40 win over Mexico in the men’s semifinals and will compete against Italy for the gold medal. Additional opportunities for countries to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics include next year’s continental championships and a subsequent qualifying series.
Eva Havaris, the CEO of Football Canada, commended the women’s flag football team for their exceptional performance and hard work leading to their Olympic qualification. The team’s success was highlighted by standout performances from players like Sara Parker, Silvia Contreras, Caroline Moquin-Joubert, and Alexane Fournier on offense, while James Drysdale, Jackson Tachinski, and Antony Auclair contributed for the men’s team.
The Canadian women’s team’s journey to the Olympic stage has been met with enthusiasm and support, as they look forward to showcasing their skills in Los Angeles.