Canada's men, women advance to playoffs at flag football world championships

Canada's men and women advanced to the quarterfinals of the flag football world championships in Germany on Friday after each defeated Japan in their final round-robin games.

The men won, 37-28, to finish second in their group with a 2-1 record. They were originally scheduled to face Nigeria later Friday, but were awarded an automatic win due to the Nigerian team withdrawing from the tournament due to visa issues.

They will face American Samoa, who upset top-ranked U.S. on Friday, in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

The women finished first in their group with a 3-0 record after their 34-20 win. They will play Austria on Saturday in their quarterfinal.

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A world title is not the only thing on the line at this event, as teams are also chasing a berth into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The top-two finishers at the world championships will lock up Olympic spots in what will be the sport's debut on the programme.

All matches at the event will live stream on CBCSports.ca and on CBC Gem.

IFAF Flag Football Women's World Championships Düsseldorf 2026: Canada vs. Japan

IFAF Flag Football Men's World Championships Düsseldorf 2026: Canada vs. Japan