IFAF is counting down to 2026 by highlighting some of the memorable moments in international American football from the past twelve months.

Crowned champions of The World Games in August and the IFAF Americas Flag 2025 a month later, Mexico earned top spot in the 2025 IFAF Flag Football World Rankings for the first time, displacing the United States at number one.

Mexico’s success came after two tournament victories in 2025. Quarterback Diana Flores found receiver Victoria Chavez in the end zone as time expired in the gold medal game at The World Games in Chengdu, China, to retain the title and beat the United States. Mexico also beat their traditional rival in the semifinals of the continental championships in Panama then beat Canada in the final.

“Being ranked number one in the world is an incredible honor for our team and Mexico,” said Mexico quarterback Diana Flores. “What we achieved this year—becoming double gold medalists at The World Games, the biggest stage in flag football’s history, and becoming Continental Champions in the same year—is truly unprecedented. It reflects years of work, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit that defines us. More than anything, it reminds us of our responsibility to continue raising the standard for our sport.”

Mexico retained its World Games crown in dramatic fashion, recovering from conceding what looked like the game winning touchdown by the United States to drive downfield and seal a 26-21 victory as time expired.

USA receiver Madison Fulford drew a penalty to keep a late faltering USA drive alive then with 33 seconds remaining caught the game tying touchdown having broken free behind the Mexico defense. Izzy Geraci caught the all-important extra point that earned what looked like a decisive 21-20 lead.

But Mexico had other ideas and the drama that flag football can provide even with only a matter of seconds on the clock unfolded and earned Mexico the gold medal.

An illegal contact penalty gave Mexico a first down with only 14 seconds remaining and then with three seconds left on the clock from the five-yard line after another defensive penalty Flores found Chavez in the back corner of the end zone for an incredible winning touchdown.

To complete a unique double, Mexico was declared the winner of the 2025 IFAF Americas Flag Football due to holding a 12-0 lead over Canada when adverse weather forced the cancellation of the gold medal game during the first half.

IFAF rules regarding awarded games state that: If abandoned in the first half the game should be considered a tie unless one team is ahead by the score of two or more touchdowns (12 points or more). In this case the team ahead will be declared winners.

Mexico led 12-0 through touchdowns from Andrea Martinez and Alondra Sanchez when lightning and torrential rain at the Estadio Virgilio Tejeira Andrión in Panama began late in the first half.

Mexico beat Guatemala and Argentina in the group stages but suffered a loss in an agonizing 26-25 defeat to Canada. Quarterback Flores brought her nation back from a 13-point deficit but an extra point attempt to tie the contest failed and Canada sealed victory with an interception. Mexico steadied the ship and earned a place win the championship game with a victory over the United States, a rival that had beaten them in the gold medal games of the 2023 IFAF Continental Championships and the 2024 IFAF World Championships.

There was a 48% overall increase (+ 51% for the men and +45% for the women) in teams holding IFAF World Rankings since 2022 – the year flag football was confirmed on the programme of the LA28 Olympic Games. A record 59 men’s and 45 women’s countries now boast world rankings at the end of a year that saw an unprecedented 101 senior national teams participate in IFAF Continental competition across four events.

“These new world rankings aptly reflect another record-breaking year for international flag football, setting the stage for 2026 in the most spectacular way,” said IFAF President Pierre Trochet. “It’s thrilling to see the new nations, ambition and investment driving competition to new levels as we all look forward to flag football’s Olympic debut in 2028.”