US men and Canada women win flag football world titles as spots earned for the Los Angeles Olympics

Düsseldorf, Germany witnessed the United States successfully defending its men's title at the flag football world championships on Sunday, while Canada emerged victorious in the women's category. Mexico's women and Canada's men secured qualification spots for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The U.S. men defeated Italy 46-26 to secure their sixth consecutive title, while the women fell short after losing to Canada 27-20.

U.S. women's quarterback Sara Parker expressed her joy, calling it "the best day ever." The championship served as both a qualifier and the tournament, with the top teams from each category earning spots at the 2028 Games. Mexico's women secured bronze and Olympic qualification after defeating Great Britain 20-19. Meanwhile, Mexico's men lost 34-26 in overtime to Canada, earning another Olympic spot.

Flag football, now an Olympic sport for the 2028 Games, is played with five players on each team in two 20-minute halves, with no tackling and an emphasis on speed and agility.