Canada’s male and female flag football teams have progressed to the quarterfinals of the flag football world championships in Germany. The men’s team, finishing second in their group with a 2-1 record, lost 37-28 to Japan. Due to Nigeria’s withdrawal from the tournament, Canada was awarded an automatic win. Japan’s quarterback, Take Taniguchi, threw five touchdown passes, while Canada’s Michael O’Connor, a former CFL quarterback, threw three TD passes. The men’s team is set to face American Samoa in the quarterfinals after American Samoa upset the top-ranked U.S. team.
On the other hand, the women’s team secured the top spot in their group with a flawless 3-0 record by defeating Japan 34-20. They are scheduled to play against Austria in the quarterfinals, with a potential semifinal match against the winner of Mexico and Spain. Quarterback Sara Parker shone in the game against Japan, throwing four touchdown passes, two of which were caught by Caroline Moquin-Joubert.
In a remarkable turnaround, Canada overcame a halftime deficit of 20-13 against Japan, scoring 21 unanswered points in the second half. Touchdown passes were also caught by Alexane Fournier and Marianne Quirion, while Frederique Morneau added a rushing touchdown. Apart from the world title, teams are vying for spots in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, with the top two finishers at the world championships securing Olympic berths.
All matches of the event will be streamed live on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.