The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, California, will make history as the schedule will include flag football for the first time ever. Now, four nations know that they will officially join in on the fun.
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The United States, Canada, Italy (men's team), and Mexico (women's team) will all take part in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The International Federation of American Football ran the championship event in Germany while making it a qualifier for the Olympics. The top two teams from the men's division and the top two teams from the women's division all locked up spots for 2028.
According to the Associated Press, the United States successfully defended the men's title at the flag football world championships in Dusseldorf, Germany. The men's football team won its sixth consecutive title after beating Italy 46-26.
The Italian men earned a spot in the Olympics by reaching the finals.
The Canadian women earned their spot in the Games by defeating the United States women 27-20 to claim the title. The U.S. team had a secure spot as a host country and as finalist.
The women's team from Mexico also clinched a spot in the 2028 Games by defeating Great Britain 20-19 in the bronze medal game. The men's team from Mexico fell short by losing to Canada.
The flag football games feature a five-on-five format for both the men's and women's divisions. These teams play two, 20-minute halves. Tackling is not allowed as stops are made by grabbing one of the two flags hanging from each player's belt.
This sport has long been played by youngsters, but it has grown in popularity in recent years. The NFL has even announced plans to launch a professional flag football league for both men and women ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California.
Flag football is one of five sports joining the Olympic Games lineup in 2028. The others are baseball/softball, cricket, lacrosse, and squash.
