Opening day of IFAF Men’s Asia-Oceania Flag Tournament had surprises

American Samoa made an immediate impact on the IFAF international stage with an opening game win over 2023 silver medalists New Zealand at the 2025 IFAF Asia-Oceania flag football championships at the Fenghua Sports Center in Ningbo, China.

Making their debut, American Samoa triumphed 40-35, but it is 2-0 Australia, fourth place finishers two years ago, who top Group E heading onto Saturday’s games which will determine which Oceania team advances to the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Germany.

IFAF tournament newcomers and host China beat the region’s second-ranked nation Kuwait 33-12 and currently top Group B. The teams that finish first and second in the group standings on Saturday will advance to the quarterfinals later in the day.

“It’s a very exciting day,” said China wide receiver Jun Yao. “I think our plan is working good so we’ll keep doing that and keep winning.

“We would like to play better for the nation and we see lots of audience here. Everybody is excited about this game. I think, after this game, flag football will develop better in China. We have only one goal: the championship.”

Group A
The top ranked team in Asia-Oceania and standing tenth in the IFAF World Rankings, bronze medal winner from two years ago Japan saw off newcomer Hong Kong, China 47-20 in their opening game. The Philippines also beat Hong Kong, China to set up a group decider when they meet Japan at 10.30am on Saturday.

Results
Japan 47 Hong Kong, China 20
Philippines 39 Hong Kong, China 19

Standings
Japan 1-0
Philippines 1-0
Hong Kong 0-2

Group B
China is assured of a place in the last eight, while Kuwait and India will battle for the runners up spot in Group B and a quarterfinal berth at 10.30am on Saturday.

Results
China 33 Kuwait 12
China 43 India 6

Standings
China 2-0
Kuwait 0-1
India 0-1

Group C
In the competition’s two-team group, Indonesia cruised past Korea 48-7, and the teams meet again on Saturday to determine their order of finish and quarterfinal placement.

Results
Indonesia 48 Korea 7

Standings
Indonesia 1-0
Korea 0-1

Group D
Defending champion Thailand fired a warning shot to the rest of the competing nations with a convincing 55-point shutout of newcomer Jordan. Singapore edged the debutants 44-33 to set up a battle to win the group when they face Thailand at 11.45am on Saturday.

Results
Singapore 44 Jordan 33
Thailand 50 Jordan 0

Standings
Thailand 1-0
Singapore 1-0
Jordan 0-2

Group E
Australia has dominated Group E so far with high-scoring wins over American Samoa and 2023 bronze medalists New Zealand, but the group remains wide open as all three teams meet again on Saturday. American Samoa shocked the Kiwis with a first-ever win IFAF international competition.

Results
American Samoa 40 New Zealand 35
Australia 41 American Samoa 12
Australia 57 New Zealand 25

Standings
Australia 2-0
American Samoa 1-1
New Zealand 0-2