Canadian men to join world-champion women when flag football makes Olympic debut

DUESSELDORF - The Canadian women's flag football team defeated the United States for the world title, while their male counterparts secured a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championships. Canada's women, who had already clinched the title with a 20-6 victory over top-ranked Mexico, solidified their win with a 27-20 triumph over the Americans in the final.

Star performers Frédérique Morneau and Sara Parker contributed three touchdown passes each for Canada.

Meanwhile, Canada's men secured their Olympic berth by defeating Mexico 34-26 in the third-place game on Sunday. Quarterback Michael O'Connor led the team with 294 yards and five touchdowns, while Antony Auclair recorded 149 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Daniel Petermann and James Drysdale also scored for Canada. The top two teams from each event, excluding the host Americans, advanced to Los Angeles, where flag football will debut as an Olympic sport.

Canada faced Italy in the men's semifinals but the third-place showdown became a crucial matchup for an Olympic bid when the American men also advanced to the final. The U.S. secured a 42-26 victory over Italy in the men's final.