The Ultimate Showdown: 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Lahti, Finland

16th, Jul 2024

Get ready for an electrifying display of athletic prowess as 32 men's and 23 women's national teams from six continents converge at the Pajulahti Olympic Training Center in Lahti, Finland. From August 27-30, these teams will vie for the prestigious gold medal at the 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships.

Men's Competition: A Race to the Knockout Round

The men's flag football tournament will see the top teams from eight groups battle it out, with winners and runners-up advancing to the knockout Round of 16. The competition promises intense action as teams strive to be crowned world champions.

Women's Tournament: A High-Stakes Battle

In the women's flag football competition, the top three teams from each of the five groups will advance, along with the best fourth-place finisher. This 11th biennial event is set to be the largest and most significant in the sport's history. The top seven finishers will also secure a spot at The World Games in Chengdu in 2025, alongside hosts China. With flag football making its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028, the stakes have never been higher.

Exciting Matchups Await

The serpentine draw system, based on the 2023 IFAF Flag Football World Rankings, has created some thrilling matchups:

Women's Competition Highlights:

Group A features defending world champions, the United States, facing Asia-Oceania silver medalist Australia and France, the fourth-place finisher from Europe. These nations are set to host the next three Summer Olympics: Paris 2024, Los Angeles 2028, and Brisbane 2032.
Group B sees 2022 World Games gold medalist Mexico take on Canada and Italy.
Group C includes 2023 Asia-Oceania champions Japan and European bronze medalist Germany.
Group D has European champions Great Britain paired with World Games bronze medalist Panama.
Group E has two female flag football powerhouses Austria and Spain. Spain won 2nd place in the IFAF Continental championship in Limerick in 2023, while Austria finished 5th and the girls are hungry for more.

Men's Competition Highlights:

Group A features the United States, defending their 2021 world title, against Spain. Brazil is trying to make their mark, and Serbia joins the fray as first-timers.
Group B has world and continental runners-up Mexico facing Australia, with Chile and Cameroon aiming to steal a win.
Group C sees European champions Germany in an all-European group with Great Britain. Sweden, led by star player Sundiata Owens, will challenge alongside Georgia, seeking their first win on the big stage.
Group D includes perennial contenders Austria, dark horse Switzerland, Ukraine eager to prove their worth, and Poland striving for a top 16 spot.
Group E features Italy, aiming for a top-four finish despite missing star QB Luke Zahradka. Canada is back stronger, hosts Finland hope to leverage home advantage, and newcomers Singapore look to improve their rankings.
Group F has powerhouse Panama, strong New Zealand, youthful and speedy Czech Republic, and Korea striving to make an impact.
Group G showcases high-scoring Israel against Denmark, former six-time European champions. Ireland and India, seasoned in flag football, face a tough challenge.

What to Expect

This year’s championships are expected to reveal dark horses and deliver pleasant surprises. For a detailed group breakdown and predictions, follow our Instagram channel, Ljubljana Frogs, and join the conversation!

Tournament Rankings and Notes

Rankings for both men’s and women’s competitions are based on the 2023 IFAF Flag Football World Rankings. Adjustments were made for teams not participating, with Italy moving up due to Thailand’s absence. Unranked teams were positioned alphabetically.

Stay tuned as we introduce you to the star players who will shine at the 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in the coming weeks!