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Canada’s men’s flag football team will join the women’s team at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Canada defeated Mexico 34-26 in the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship bronze-medal game on Sunday in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Quarterback Michael O’Connor threw for 134 yards and four touchdowns, connecting twice with Antony Auclair and Daniel Petermann, as well as once with James Drysdale.
The game was tied 26-26 at the end of regulation before Canada came through in overtime. O’Connor connected with Auclair for the game-winning touchdown to secure the victory.
Canada’s defence also stepped up, with Marc-Antoine Dequoy recording an interception and François Rocheleau registering three sacks.
WATCH | Canadian men’s flag football team wins world championship bronze and earns spot in LA28 Olympics :
Canadian men’s flag football team wins world championship bronze and earns spot in LA28 Olympics
Canada defeated Mexico 34-26 in overtime of the IFAF flag football world championship bronze-medal game Sunday in Düsseldorf, Germany. With the victory, Canada also clinched a spot in the LA28 Olympics.
The top two countries in each of the men’s and women’s world championships were set to qualify for the 2028 Olympics, when flag football will make its Olympic debut.
However, with the United States already qualified as the host nation and reaching the men’s final, the top three finishers in the men’s tournament earned Olympic berths.
Canadian women take the title
The Canadian women captured the IFAF world championship title with a 27–20 victory over the U.S. in the final. The U.S. failed to convert on the final play of the game, allowing Canada to hold on for the win.
The teams were tied 14–14 at halftime before Canada pulled away in the second half. Frédérique Morneau scored two touchdowns in the second half to complete the comeback, finishing with three touchdown overall. Caroline Moquin-Joubert also caught a touchdown for Canada.
Quarterback Sara Parker threw for 104 yards in the championship victory.