Seven teams representing IFAF member federations Argentina, Brazil, Panama, Uruguay and Venezuela are ready and excited to go for gold in Panama City.

Boys and girls U17 national teams will compete at the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026 (Juegos Suramericanos de la Juventud) in the first-ever flag football competition at the OSEDUR games at the Emilio Royo Stadium from April 17 to 19.

The action starts at 8am on Friday, April 17, when Argentina and Uruguay meet in the U17 Boys tournament then host nation Panama takes on Brazil at 9.15am. The Girls competition kicks offs at 10.30am when Brazil faces Venezuela.

Games will be streamed live at the Panam Sports Channel with live updates on @IFAFMedia social media channels.

“We enter the competition with the goal of competing at a high level in every game and, naturally, with the ambition of fighting for a spot on the podium,” says Brazil U17 boys head coach Marcos Ferrete. “Our expectation is to put everything we have worked on throughout our preparation on the field, clearly showcasing the team's identity and the group's growth.”

The group stages will run from 8am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday with semifinals and medal games highlighting Sunday’s action.

In the Boys competition the group winners will face the fourth placed team in the first of Sunday’s semifinals (11.45am) and the second placed team will take on the nation that finished third (1pm). The winner of the Girls group will advance to the final while the second and third placed teams meet on Sunday (2.15pm) for the right to join them.

“Ultimately, the youngsters playing in this tournament could be some of the future stars of the Olympic Games,” says Venezuela head coach Larry Hernandez. “I am very excited that our sport has reached Olympic status.”

The Boys Bronze Medal Game (3.30pm) on Sunday will be followed by the Boys Gold Medal Game (4.45pm) and the Girls Gold Medal game (6pm) to crown the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026 champions.

The participation of Under-17 boys’ and girls’ teams representing is sanctioned by IFAF as part of a growing number of youth-focused tournaments being held worldwide. The competition will be played at the as part of the regional multi-sport event organized by ODESUR (Organizacion Deportiva Suramericana), which has 15 member nations. The games are held every four years, consistent with the current Olympic Games format.

IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026 Schedule

Friday, April 17 (all times local)

Saturday, April 18 (all times local)

Sunday, April 19 (all times local)