Canada is among the nations vying for the first qualification spots for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games in the debut of flag football on the Olympic stage. The ongoing world championships in Germany will determine two slots each for the men’s and women’s Olympics competitions, with six teams in each. The United States, a dominant force in flag football, has an automatic entry, leaving three spots per gender to be decided in a qualifier in Montreal in June 2028.
While securing a spot at the Olympics is not imperative during the current world championships, securing a place early would alleviate the pressure of having to compete in the last-chance qualifier over the next two years.
Sixteen teams in both the men’s and women’s tournaments in Germany have been grouped for the preliminary rounds, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage starting on Saturday. The medal games on Sunday will determine the world champions and the Olympic qualifiers.
The Canadian women begin their campaign against Panama, followed by Brazil, and then Japan. The men’s team faces Austria, Japan, and was set to play Nigeria but received a default win due to visa issues.
Canada’s women’s team ranks fourth globally, while the men are placed 10th. The U.S., aiming for its sixth consecutive world title, leads the rankings. The women’s team has won world championships in the past, while the men’s team claimed their sole title in 2008.
The Olympics’ inclusion of flag football for 2028 sparked speculation about NFL and CFL stars participating. However, a recent exhibition tournament in L.A. highlighted the distinct differences between flag and tackle football, showcasing the adaptability and strategic prowess of flag football players over their bulkier NFL counterparts.
Canada’s national teams at the world championships feature former NFL and CFL players, adding experience and skill to the squads. The competition can be watched live on CBC Gem and the CBC Sports website.
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