Canada stuns Mexico, U.S. avenges loss in thrilling Day 2 at IFAF Americas Flag Championships
Day 2 of the 2025 IFAF Americas Flag Football Continental Championships in Penonomé, Panama delivered high drama as Canada pulled off a stunning upset over Mexico, while the United States exacted revenge on host Panama with a decisive victory. The action at Estadio Virgilio Tejeira Andrión featured rain delays, field adjustments, and electrifying fan energy across a packed schedule.
Canada’s defensive grit upsets Mexico
Canada’s women’s flag football team upset Mexico 26-25. Canada jumped out to an early lead, and built it to a 26-13 margin at the half. Mexico came surging back to score 12 points to 0 for Canada in the second half, but that was not enough. The Canadian defense intercepted and sacked Mexican quarterback Diana Flores several times during the game, and foiled Mexico’s extra point attempt on the final drive.
Rain delay sparks U.S.-Panama atmosphere
The U.S. played the host team Panama at the same time on the field at Estadio Virgilio Tejeira Andrión. The schedule had the U.S. and Mexico playing on different fields away from each other, but a rain delay made conditions on the original Mexico vs. Canada untenable, so the Panamanian Federation and IFAF shift that game so that the teams played side by side.
This created an incredible atmosphere for the game. U.S. fans chanted USA, USA, as their team took on Panama, whose fans added to the din. The Mexican and Canadian supporters were no less vocal, the Mexicans chanting Mexico, Mexico, and the Canadians had brought noise makers that provided an exciting setting for the athletes.
U.S. flips script on CONCACAF result
The U.S., who had lost to Panama to finish 4th in the CONCACAF in March in Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, handled their business better in Penonomé. Even though the Panamanians jumped out to their own 6-0 lead, the U.S. team rolled for the rest of the game, scoring 34 straight points, and did not allow Panama into the endzone again. The IFAF criteria, however, mean that the there will be a another rematch between the U.S. and Mexico tomorrow at 3:30 CDT.
Brazil, Guatemala post key victories
In other games today, Brazil defeated Columbia 49-13 to start the day off, then Panama easily handled the Columbians 44-6, the USA easily beat the Jamaicans 49-0, Mexico overcame the Argentines 54-6, and Canada beat Guatemala 40-13. The rain delay and field switch meant that games on the grass fields were impossible to conclude. Brazil vs. Jamaica will be played later, but Guatemala defeated Argentina 39-13 when they finally played.
Unfinished business: Rematches loom
The U.S. Women’s National Team seemed to be handling the pressure well. During the rain delay, the women left their tent to perform various dances, to the delight of the crowd.
How Mexico will fare after the emotional loss to Canada will be determined Sunday, but hopefully both teams will be in top shape to deliver another thriller.
