The Mexico (2-0) and Italy (2-0) men will try to finish group play unbeaten Friday as Day 2 of the IFAF World Flag 2026 Championships gets underway in Düsseldorf, while Mexico (2-0) leads the women’s Group A race ahead of a showdown with Italy (1-1).
With quarterfinal places at stake, Friday’s schedule brings the group stage to a close and leaves little room for mistakes.
Mexico and Italy face major tests
The Mexico men have opened with wins over Germany and Brazil, but world No. 5 Switzerland presents another challenge at 14:15.
Italy has also started 2-0 after beating Great Britain 21-12 and Panama 45-36. The reigning European champions finish Group D against France, which rebounded from its opening loss to Panama by defeating Great Britain 43-32.
Watch live. IFAF World Flag 2026: Aug. 14, 08:00 CET (8 am, 2 am ET)
USA returns to action
The United States men opened with a 50-38 victory over Israel and will face Australia at 15:30. Before that, American Samoa, a 21-7 winner over Australia on Thursday, takes on the United States at 09:15.
Israel and American Samoa close their group schedules against each other at 15:30.
In Group B, Canada enters Friday after an impressive 26-6 opening victory over Austria and meets Japan at 08:00 before facing Nigeria later in the day.
Mexico and Italy collide in women’s Group A
One of Friday’s biggest women’s games comes at 11:45 when Mexico (2-0) faces Italy (1-1).
World No. 1 Mexico scored 91 points Thursday, beating Germany 38-14 and Slovenia 53-24. Italy survived Slovenia 27-26 before losing 53-22 to Germany.
Before that showdown, Germany (1-1) faces Slovenia (0-2) at 09:15 with the group standings still very much in play.
Women’s contenders battle for position
The United States women return against Spain after opening with a 46-14 victory over Australia, while Canada meets Japan.
Elsewhere, Great Britain faces Austria, France takes on China, and Panama meets Brazil as teams make their final push for quarterfinal spots.