World No. 1 Mexico enters IFAF World Flag 2026 as the clear favorite in Women’s Group A, but Germany, Italy and newcomer Slovenia give the group an intriguing European flavor as the road to the knockout rounds begins.
Led by Diana Flores, Mexico arrives in Düsseldorf with an impressive résumé. The Mexicans are two-time defending champions of The World Games, won the IFAF Americas championship last year and are now chasing the world title that has eluded this generation.
Mexico has unfinished business
Despite its recent success, Mexico has finished runner-up at each of the past two IFAF World Championships.
The country has won three world titles overall, defeating Finland in 2004, Canada in 2008 and the United States by one point in 2012. Its championship history also includes two silver medals and a bronze.
Recent results underline why Mexico enters Group A as the team to beat. The Mexicans defeated Italy 45-6 at the 2024 World Championships and 46-7 at The World Games in 2025. They also beat Germany 33-20 when the teams met at the 2021 World Championships.
Germany gets home-field opportunity
Host Germany will be looking to use the home crowd to challenge for one of the group’s top spots.
The Germans have yet to win a World Championship medal but took bronze at the 2023 IFAF European Championships. At the 2024 Worlds, Germany won its group before Italy eliminated it in the first knockout round.
The teams met again at Euro Flag 2025, with Germany turning the tables in a convincing 42-12 victory. The Germans also defeated Slovenia 48-12 at that tournament.
“It’s a very interesting, exciting group for sure,” head coach Jona Winkel said. “We want to be at least number two team in the group.”
Italy looking to rebound
Italy comes to Düsseldorf after finishing eighth at both the 2021 and 2024 World Championships.
The Italians qualified by placing seventh at Euro Flag 2025, but results against their Group A opponents last year were difficult. Italy lost to Mexico at The World Games and was beaten by both Germany and Slovenia at the European Championships.
Still, Italy’s victory over Germany at the 2024 Worlds provides a reminder of how quickly the balance can shift between these European rivals.
Slovenia makes its World Championship debut
Slovenia may be ranked 33rd and making its first appearance on the world stage, but its Euro Flag 2025 performance makes it a dangerous newcomer.
Entering that tournament unranked, Slovenia defeated Switzerland, Israel and the Netherlands before reaching the quarterfinals. After falling to Great Britain, the Slovenians beat Italy to secure qualification for Düsseldorf.
Mexico remains the obvious favorite, but behind the world No. 1, the battle between Germany, Italy and Slovenia could make Women’s Group A one of the tournament’s most unpredictable races.