The Canadian women’s flag football team has secured a spot in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles after defeating Mexico 20-6 in a semifinal match during the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship in Duesseldorf, Germany.
Head coach Rachel Lessard expressed her pride in the team’s achievement, attributing it to their discipline, resilience, and trust. She emphasized that the team’s hard work and dedication have earned them the opportunity to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games, showcasing the growth of Canadian flag football.
The top two countries from both men’s and women’s world championships have qualified for the 2028 Olympics, with the U.S. having an automatic qualification as the host country. The Canadian women will face the U.S. in the world championship final, while Mexico and Britain will compete for the remaining women’s Olympic spot in the bronze-medal match.
In the men’s category, Canada fell short against Italy in the semifinal but still has a chance to secure an early Olympic ticket in the bronze-medal match against Mexico. The U.S. will contend for the men’s gold against Italy in the world championship final.
The road to the Los Angeles Olympics also includes opportunities for countries to qualify through continental championships and a subsequent qualifying series. The Canadian teams showed their prowess in the quarterfinals and semifinals, with standout performances from players like Sara Parker, Silvia Contreras, Caroline Moquin-Joubert, and others.
Football Canada’s CEO, Eva Havaris, commended the women’s team for their hard work and outstanding performance, expressing excitement to see them compete on the Olympic stage. The team’s success has been a testament to their dedication and skill, setting the stage for an exciting journey to the 2028 Olympics.