2026 IFAF Flag Football Worlds: Final Qualified Teams

TEAMS QUALIFIED FOR THE 2026 IFAF FLAG FOOTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

The global stage is now set for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships, a defining milestone ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut in Los Angeles 2028. Below, we highlight the standout MVPs from the 2025 Continental Championships and present the full lineup of national teams that earned their tickets to Düsseldorf.

MVPS OF THE 2025 CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2025 season showcased remarkable performances across all continents, setting new standards for excellence in flag football.

• Asia–Oceania Men’s: Jared Stegman (Australia)
• Asia–Oceania Women’s: Niu Xin Yao (China)
• Europe Men’s: Luke Zahradka (Italy)
• Europe Women’s: Emily Kemp (Great Britain)

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS

• Emily Kemp (Great Britain) scored three touchdowns, including the decisive overtime score, to lead Great Britain’s 34–33 win over Austria and retain the European title.
• Luke Zahradka (Italy) showcased exceptional leadership to secure Italy’s men’s European championship in Paris.
• Jared Stegman (Australia) delivered a standout MVP performance at the Asia-Oceania Championship in Ningbo.
• Niu Xin Yao (China) proved vital in China’s historic women’s triumph with her composure and creativity.

The 2025 Americas Championship in Panama was heavily affected by weather; Mexico (Women) and USA/Mexico (Men) were declared joint champions.

TEAMS QUALIFIED FOR THE 2026 IFAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2026 IFAF World Championships will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany from 13–16 August 2026, featuring 32 teams.

MEN’S TEAMS (16): Germany (hosts), American Samoa, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, Switzerland, United States.

WOMEN’S TEAMS (16): Germany (hosts), Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, People’s Republic of China, Slovenia, Spain, United States.

LOOKING AHEAD TO DÜSSELDORF 2026

With continental champions crowned and MVPs recognized, flag football’s momentum accelerates toward the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. Düsseldorf 2026 will mark a defining chapter for the sport’s global growth. Stay tuned for updates on team rosters and which players with Ljubljana Frogs experience will compete.