Canada’s women’s flag football team secured a spot in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles after defeating Mexico 20-6 in a semifinal match of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship in Duesseldorf, Germany. Head coach Rachel Lessard expressed her pride in the team’s discipline, resilience, and trust that led them to qualify for the Olympics. Canadian flag football is gaining momentum, and the team is honored to represent the country at the 2028 Games.
The top two countries from both the men’s and women’s world championships will qualify for the 2028 Olympics, with an additional spot available if the United States, as the host nation, reaches the final. The Canadian women will face the U.S. in the world title match, while Mexico and Britain will compete for the remaining women’s Olympic berth in the bronze-medal game.
Despite a 41-36 loss to Italy in the men’s semifinal, Canada still has a chance to secure an early Olympic ticket by playing Mexico in the bronze-medal match. The U.S. and Italy will compete for the men’s gold at the world championship. Countries can also qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics through continental championships next year and a qualifying series the following year.
In the Saturday quarterfinals, Canada’s men defeated American Samoa 24-14, and the women beat Austria 40-12. The women’s team also had a close victory over the U.S. at the USA Football Summer Series. Football Canada’s CEO, Eva Havaris, commended the team’s hard work and outstanding performance, expressing excitement for their Olympic journey.
Key players in the semifinals included Sara Parker, who passed for 107 yards, and Silvia Contreras, Canada’s leading receiver with 38 yards and a touchdown. Caroline Moquin-Joubert scored two touchdowns, and Alexane Fournier also contributed a touchdown. In the men’s game, James Drysdale, Jackson Tachinski, and Antony Auclair were among the scorers in a match against Italy.
The women’s flag football team’s journey to the Olympics has been a remarkable feat, supported by a dedicated effort from the players and their supporters. Their success on the field has earned them a well-deserved place on the Olympic stage, and anticipation is high for their performance in Los Angeles.
