The United States women's flag football team will enter the buildup to the 2028 Olympics with a little extra motivation.
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Team USA fell to Canada 27-20 in the championship game of the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany, ending the Americans' run of three consecutive world titles.
The loss came in one of the biggest international flag football tournaments ahead of the sport's Olympic debut in Los Angeles.
The United States started well against Canada, but the game was tied 14-14 at halftime after Canadian quarterback Sara Parker connected with Caroline Moquin-Joubert for a touchdown late in the first half.
Canada took control after the break, with Parker setting up Frederique Morneau for another score.
Still, the Americans had an opportunity to tie the game in the closing seconds.
Team USA faced fourth down near the goal line with three seconds remaining but couldn't convert, allowing Canada to celebrate its third women's world championship and first since 2014.
The good news for the Americans is that their Olympic spot is already secure.
The United States automatically qualified for the 2028 Games as the host nation. Canada also secured a berth by reaching the World Championship final, while Mexico punched its ticket with a 20-19 victory over Great Britain in the bronze-medal game.
Flag football will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles, with the competition featuring five-on-five play and six teams in both the men's and women's tournaments.
So Team USA won't arrive at its home Olympics as the reigning world champion. It'll arrive trying to take that title back.
