IFAF is counting down to 2026 by highlighting some of the memorable moments in international American football from the past twelve months.
Australia was crowned the new IFAF Asia-Oceania men’s continental champions by beating Japan 23-19 in the tournament’s gold medal game as they won every game en route to the final. As champions of the Oceania tournament Australia also qualified as one of 16 teams that will contest next summer’s 2026 IFAF World Flag tournament.
The men’s championship game result was a reversal of the bronze medal game from two years ago when Japan triumphed.
“We had great preparation, everyone believed, all the players supported each other and just a great game today,” said Australia quarterback and game MVP Jared Stegman after the win. “We had some adversity, the first time we've had some serious adversity together, and we were able to stick together and just keep playing the whole way through. Everyone's excited to get to work and build off this win.”
Australia head coach Drew Aumavae added: “It’s the players, that’s the secret. It just took a lot of going back to the fundamentals and they bought into that. It’s basically a foundation and we’ll just build on that.”
Japan took a 6-0 lead when quarterback Takehito Taniguchi went to Riki Matsui high in the end zone, but Australia struck back immediately with a touchdown from Marcel Pascual. A safety edged Australia 8-6 ahead, giving them a lead they would not relinquish.
A Jacob Atley touchdown made it 14-6 then after Kodai Okumura’s diving grab in the front of the end zone for a score, Japan was unable to tie the score as a two-point pass attempt was batted down.
Australia quarterback Stegman hit Atley for his second touchdown and Pascual for the point after to open a 21-12 advantage which increased by two more points through a second safety.
Taniguchi reduced the arrears with another touchdown pass to Matsui, but with a four-point cushion Australia was able to run the clock down and claim victory.
In winning the Oceania crown to reach the Asia-Oceania final, Australia twice beat silver medalists from 2023 New Zealand and newcomer American Samoa to post a perfect 4-0 record.
