Canadian men to join world-champion women when flag football makes Olympic debut
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DUESSELDORF – Canada’s women’s flag football team beat the United States for the world title, while men’s squad booked its place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on Sunday at the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championships.
The women, who had already qualified with a 20-6 semifinal win over top-ranked Mexico on Saturday, capped a perfect tournament with a 27-20 win over the Americans in the final.
Frédérique Morneau had three touchdown catches for Canada. Quarterback Sara Parker hit Caroline Moquin-Joubert for Canada’s other score.
Parker, who had 23 total touchdown passes, was named the most valuable player of the women’s tournament.
It was Canada’s third title and first since beating the U.S. in the 2014 final.
“I feel so happy, I can’t believe it,” Parker said after hugging her mother. ”Literally the best day ever.”
The Canadian men will join the women at the 2028 Games after posting a 34-26 win over Mexico in the third-place game Sunday.
Quarterback Michael O’Connor led Canada with 294 yards and five touchdowns.
Former NFL tight-end Antony Auclair had 149 receiving yards and hauled in two of O’Connor’s touchdown strikes. Daniel Petermann also found the end zone twice and James Drysdale had the other score.
The top two teams from both flag events, not including the host Americans, qualified for Los Angeles where flag football will make its Olympic debut
Canada lost to Italy in the men’s semifinals, but the third-place game became a showdown for an Olympic berth when the American men also advanced to the final.
“We came to the (world championships) to win, and this group got it done,” Canada head coach Paul LaPolice said. “Qualifying for the Olympics doesn’t happen by accident, it’s the result of a lot of hard work and dedication, and I’m proud of how our athletes competed when it mattered most.”
“This is an exciting time for the sport as a whole, and to see both our men’s and women’s senior teams qualify together, it says a lot about where Canadian flag football is headed,” he added.
The U.S defeated Italy 42-26 in the men’s final.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 16, 2026.
Note to readers:This is a corrected story. Frédérique Morneau had three touchdown catches, not passes.