Olympic Q-Series 2028 the Key Qualification Pathway to LA28

Flag football has been confirmed as part of the expanded Olympic Q-Series, which will take place across four global cities in May/June 2028.

Flag football is one of six youth-oriented sports set to feature in the Series, which will see the final LA28 qualifying places awarded in a festival-style, multi-sport environment.

As previously announced, three men’s and three women’s flag football national teams will earn their LA28 spots through the Olympic Q-Series. Two men’s and two women’s teams per continent will qualify to participate in the 2028 tournament through the 2027 IFAF Continental Championships.

“We’re hyped that flag football is joining the Olympic Q-Series in the run-up to LA28,” said IFAF President Pierre Trochet. “It means that even more of our athletes - from all five continents where flag football is played - will be able to enjoy a unique, Olympic-style experience in 2028. Flag football - with its youthful energy and culture - is a perfect fit for the Olympic Q-Series.”

The United States men’s and women’s national teams – the reigning world champions – have already qualified for LA28 as the host nation. They will be joined this summer by two more men’s and women’s qualifiers who look to dethrone them at IFAF World Flag 2026 that will be played in Düsseldorf from August 13 to 16.

The IOC has today announced the host cities and dates of the four stops in the Olympic Q-Series, with announcements regarding the specific sport program for each city to follow at a later date. More information is available at olympics.com.