Canada’s women fired a warning shot ahead of this summer’s IFAF World Flag 2026 with a thrilling one-point win over three-time defending champion the United States in a rivalry series clash in Los Angeles.

Silver medalists at the IFAF Americas and third place finishers at The World Games in 2025, Canada is heading to Düsseldorf as a team in form, while USA adjusts to entering a tournament without legendary quarterback Vanita Krouch at the helm.

The United States’ men underlined why they are five-time consecutive IFAF champions and the number one ranked team in the world with a comprehensive 50-16 win over their Canadian counterparts.

Sara Parker led Canada’s women to their narrow victory, throwing three touchdowns while Elisabeth Ashkar passed for a pair of scores. Marianne Quirion led the way with two scoring grabs as four different receivers claimed touchdowns.

Akemi Higa stepped into the cleats of Krouch and threw three touchdown passes as Isabella Geracie and Madison Fulford were reliable targets as always with a pair of scores each. Maci Joncich and Valentina Fanetti also saw time under center, and each passed for a touchdown.

The US men stormed to a 28-8 halftime lead over Canada then scored 22 second half points as Nico Casares starred at quarterback throwing four touchdowns. Darrell Doucette chipped in with a brace of scoring passes and underlining his dual threat caught a touchdown from his passing partner.

Five different receivers caught touchdowns including two by Velton Brown Jr and one from Jorge Cascudo, the son of the national team’s head coach. Justin McMullen scored the game’s only pick six.

Canada quarterback Michael O’Connor tossed both of his touchdown passes to receiver François Rocheleau, but the USA defense dominated with four pass breakups and two interceptions.

Canada’s women open their challenge for the gold medal and qualification for LA28 against Brazil in Group D on Thursday, August 13 in Germany, while the United States takes on Australia in Group B. The Unites States’ men defend their crown with Israel their first opponent in Group A and Canada opens against Japan in Group B.