Canada is one of the nations vying for the first available spots in the 2028 Los Angeles Games as flag football is gearing up for its Olympic premiere. At the ongoing world championships in Germany, two berths are at stake in both the men’s and women’s Olympic tournaments, each comprising just six teams. While the United States, a dominant force in flag football, secures an automatic entry as the host, the remaining three slots for each gender will be determined through a two-stage qualifier in Montreal in June 2028.
Although not essential for securing an Olympic berth, winning at these world championships would be a significant advantage, sparing teams the pressure of the last-chance qualifier over the next two years.
The tournament in Germany features 16 teams in both the men’s and women’s categories, divided into groups of four for the preliminary rounds held on Thursday and Friday. The top two teams from each group progress to the knockout phase starting on Saturday, leading up to the medal matches on Sunday, where the world champions will be crowned and Olympic spots awarded.
The top two finishers in each tournament earn a direct ticket to the Olympics, with a third-place finish being sufficient if the U.S. makes it to the final, setting the stage for potentially thrilling bronze-medal contests.
In the women’s category, Canada, currently ranked fourth globally, commences their group stage matches against Panama, followed by Brazil and Japan. On the other hand, the Canadian men’s team kicks off against Austria, then faces Japan, with their final group game against Nigeria canceled due to visa issues, granting Canada a default win.
Canada’s women’s team boasts a rich history, having clinched world titles in 2010 and 2014 and securing bronze in 2018. The men’s team, with a sole world championship win in 2008, aims to return to medal contention after a series of near misses. As the U.S. eyes a sixth consecutive world title, the competition is fierce, with Canada ranked 10th globally, trailing Austria and Japan in their group.
With the inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics, speculation arose about NFL and CFL stars joining the U.S. and Canadian teams. However, a recent exhibition tournament highlighted the distinctive nature of flag football compared to tackle football, showcasing the strengths of flag football players against their bulkier NFL counterparts.
Canada’s national teams, featuring former NFL and CFL players, are well-prepared for the worlds. The women’s team, led by veteran Sabrina Gervais and quarterback Sarah Parker, is set to make an impact. Viewers can catch the action live on CBC Gem and the CBC Sports website, starting at 2 a.m. ET on Thursday.