Canada celebrated a double triumph at the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championships on Sunday. The women's flag football team beat the United States 27‑20 to claim the world title, and the men's squad secured a berth for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles after a 34‑26 victory over Mexico.
Women's team clinches world title
The Canadian women entered the final after a 20‑6 semifinal win over top‑ranked Mexico. In the championship match, Frédérique Morneau delivered three touchdown passes, while quarterback Sara Parker connected with Caroline Moquin‑Joubert for the fourth score. The win completed a perfect tournament for the women, who now head to the inaugural Olympic flag football competition.
Men secure Olympic berth
Canada's men finished third, a placement that carries an Olympic ticket because the host nation, the United States, already qualifies automatically. Quarterback Michael O'Connor amassed 294 yards and five touchdowns. Former NFL tight‑end Antony Auclair recorded 149 receiving yards and caught two of O'Connor's scores. Daniel Petermann added two touchdowns and James Drysdale contributed the remaining score.
In the semifinals Canada fell to Italy, 42‑26, but the third‑place game became a decisive qualifier when the United States also advanced to the final. With the men's and women's teams both confirmed for Los Angeles, flag football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Games.
Based on reporting by Global News.