Two nations punched their golden ticket to LA28 as victory in the semifinals of the IFAF Flag Football World Championships Düsseldorf 2026 guaranteed they will make history when flag football debuts at the Olympic Games.

In the men’s tournament, Italy triumphed 41-36 over Canada to advance to the gold medal game and guaranteed one of two berths available for LA28 alongside pre-qualified host the United States. The first women’s place was claimed by Canada who brushed aside world number one ranked Mexico 20-6 and will join America’s women in Los Angeles.

The third available golden ticket until 12 men’s and women’s teams chase three final spots at the Olympic Qualifying Series in 2028 will be decided by Sunday’s third place games. Mexico and Canada will contest the men’s bronze and target a trip to LA28, while Mexico and Great Britain battle for the women’s coveted spot and a place on the podium.

The gold medal games of IFAF World Flag 2026 see the United States defend their titles with the men facing Italy (3pm CET) and the women taking on Canada (4.30pm CET).

All scores, standings, playoff round schedules and statistics are available at IFAF.Play.Sport.

The sellout crowd at the Flag Football Complex in Düsseldorf witnessed a thrilling day of knockout round action highlighted by close games. Mexico (vs Spain 27-26), the United States (vs Germany 35-34, vs Great Britain 27-21) and Great Britain (vs Panama 26-20) all avoided defeat to lower-ranked opponents in the women’s competition having trailed in games they then won by a single score. Similarly in the men’s tournament, the United States (vs Japan 45-38, vs Mexico 42-40) rebounded to seal slim victories and Italy held on to edge Canada 41-36.

Photo: Associated Press