IFAF World Flag 2026: Mexico, Italy impress on action-packed opening day
The United States, Mexico and Italy were among the teams making strong starts as the IFAF World Flag 2026 Championships got underway in Düsseldorf, with the opening day producing plenty of offense and several early surprises across the men’s and women’s tournaments.
On the Men’s side, Mexico and Italy both finished the day 2-0, while the United States, Canada and American Samoa also opened with victories. In the Women’s tournament, Mexico emerged from Group A at 2-0, while the United States, Canada, Japan, Spain, Austria and Great Britain were among the Day 1 winners.
Italy takes charge of Group D
Reigning European champion Italy made one of the strongest statements on the Men’s side.
The Italians opened with a 21-12 victory over Great Britain before winning a 45-36 shootout against Panama. France, meanwhile, bounced back from a 33-26 loss to Panama by defeating Great Britain 43-32.
Mexico also went unbeaten in men’s Group C, defeating Germany 30-22 and Brazil 38-25. Germany recovered with a 42-28 win over Switzerland, which had opened its tournament by beating Brazil 52-19.
USA opens with offensive fireworks
The United States began the Men’s tournament with a wild 50-38 victory over Israel, while American Samoa earned a 21-7 win over Australia.
In Group B, Canada got off to an impressive start with a 26-6 victory over Austria. Japan recorded a 1-0 result against Nigeria.
Mexico sets pace in women’s Group A
World No. 1 Mexico wasted no time establishing itself in the Women’s tournament, beating host Germany 38-14 before rolling past Slovenia 53-24.
Italy produced one of the day’s most dramatic finishes, rallying to beat Slovenia 27-26. Chiara Peroni intercepted Karin Lah with 1:15 remaining before Sofia Petrillo connected with Alice Fimiani for a touchdown. Fimiani then scored the winning two-point conversion.
Germany responded by beating Italy 53-22.
Wins spread across women’s field
Elsewhere, the United States defeated Australia 46-14, while Canada beat Panama 27-14 and Brazil 36-6.
Japan blanked Brazil 32-0 before falling 37-13 to Panama. Spain defeated Australia 39-25, Austria edged France 23-19 and Great Britain survived China 26-25 as the battle for quarterfinal places began to take shape.
