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 semifinals of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship held in Duesseldorf, Germany.
Head coach Rachel Lessard expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishment, attributing their success to discipline, resilience, and trust. This achievement reflects the growth of Canadian flag football and sets the stage for their participation in the upcoming Olympic Games.
Qualification for the 2028 Olympics was determined by the top two countries in both the men’s and women’s world championships. Additionally, if the United States, as the host nation, made it to the finals, the top three finishers would qualify for the Olympics.
The Canadian women’s team is set to face the U.S. in the world championship final after the U.S. defeated Britain 27-21 in the semifinals. Mexico and Britain will compete for the remaining women’s Olympic spot in the bronze-medal match.
In the men’s competition, Canada lost 41-36 to Italy in the semifinals but still has a chance to secure an early Olympic berth in the bronze-medal match against Mexico. The U.S. will compete against Italy for the men’s gold medal.
Apart from the world championships, countries can also qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics through continental championships next year and a subsequent qualifying series.
Eva Havaris, CEO of Football Canada, commended the women’s flag football team for their hard work and outstanding performance, emphasizing that their spot at the Olympic Games is well-deserved.
Key players in the Canadian women’s team, such as Sara Parker, Silvia Contreras, and Caroline Moquin-Joubert, showcased impressive performances, with notable contributions from James Drysdale and other male players in the semifinals.