Canada’s flag football squads had a successful start at the IFAF World Championship in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Canadian women’s team began with a victory over Panama, led by quarterback Sara Parker’s four touchdown passes. They secured a 27-14 win, with three touchdowns caught by wide receiver Caroline Moquin-Joubert and one by Laura Molimard. In their match against Brazil, the Canadian women dominated, taking a 20-0 lead by halftime and ultimately triumphing 36-6. Marianne Quirion and Frédérique Morneau each contributed two touchdown catches, with Molimard adding another.

On the other hand, the Canadian men’s team commenced their play with a single game against Austria, winning 26-6. Quarterback Michael O’Connor impressed by completing 19 of 24 passes for four touchdowns. Besides pursuing the world title, teams are vying for spots in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The top two finishers at the championships will secure Olympic berths as the sport makes its debut in the Games.

Both Canadian teams will wrap up the group stage against Japan on Friday, with the men playing at 2 a.m. ET and the women at 4:30 a.m. ET. All matches will be live-streamed on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem. The Canadian men were supposed to face Nigeria, but due to visa issues leading to Nigeria’s withdrawal from the tournament, Canada will be granted an automatic win.