Canada’s flag football teams had a successful start at the IFAF World Championship in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Canadian women’s team began with a win against Panama, with quarterback Sara Parker throwing four touchdowns. They continued their winning streak against Brazil, securing a 36-6 victory with standout performances from Marianne Quirion and Frédérique Morneau.
The Canadian men’s team also started strong, defeating Austria 26-6 in their only match on Thursday. The championship not only offers a world title but also the opportunity to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The top-two finishers in the tournament will earn spots in the Olympic Games, marking the sport’s debut on the Olympic program.
Both Canadian teams will conclude their group stage matches on Friday against Japan. The men will play at 2 a.m. ET, followed by the women at 4:30 a.m. ET. The event’s matches will be streamed live on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.
Despite initially scheduled to face Nigeria, the Canadian men’s team will be granted an automatic win as Nigeria had to withdraw from the tournament due to visa issues.