Canada is one of the nations vying for the initial spots in the 2028 Los Angeles Games as flag football prepares for its Olympic premiere. This pursuit takes place at the ongoing world championships in Germany. In each of the men’s and women’s Olympic tournaments, six teams will compete, with two spots available. The United States, a dominant force in flag football, secures an automatic entry, and the remaining three positions for each gender will be determined through a two-phase qualifier in June 2028 starting in Montreal.
While success at the world championships does not guarantee an Olympic berth, it would be advantageous to secure a spot early on and avoid the pressure of the last-chance qualifier. Sixteen teams are participating in both the men’s and women’s tournaments in Germany. They are split into groups of four for the preliminary round, with the top two from each group progressing to the knockout stage. The medal matches, crucial for determining the world champions and Olympic qualifiers, are scheduled for Sunday.
The Canadian women’s team commences the group stage by facing Panama, followed by a match against Brazil, and then concluding against Japan. On the other hand, the Canadian men’s team kicks off against Austria, plays Japan next, and was set to face Nigeria before the latter withdrew due to visa issues.
In terms of rankings, the Canadian women’s team is placed fourth globally, trailing Mexico, the United States, and Great Britain. The men’s team, who last won the world title in 2008, is ranked 10th and faces tough competition from Austria and Japan in their group. The U.S. men’s team, aiming for a sixth consecutive world title, holds the top spot.
The addition of flag football to the 2028 Olympics sparked speculation about the potential involvement of NFL and CFL stars from the U.S. and Canada. However, the distinction between flag and tackle football became evident during a men’s flag exhibition tournament in L.A., where NFL players struggled against seasoned flag football players. Despite physical differences, the flag football players showcased their agility and strategic prowess.
Canada’s national teams feature notable athletes such as former NFL tight end Antony Auclair and experienced players like Sabrina Gervais and Sarah Parker. The championships can be watched live on CBC Gem and the CBC Sports website, starting at 2 a.m. ET on Thursday.