GB Women’s Flag Football Makes Strides Ahead of 2028 Olympics

Chengdu, China – The Great Britain women’s flag football team concluded their debut World Games campaign with a fifth-place finish, marking a pivotal milestone ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028. The European champions showcased resilience, defeating hosts China 34-13 in their final ranking match.

Tournament Highlights

• Group Stage: GB faced a tough loss to eventual champions Mexico but advanced with key wins.
• Quarter-Finals: A narrow defeat to Austria shifted GB to the ranking bracket.
• Key Performers: QB Jessica Allen delivered 4 TD passes, while Emily Kemp and Hannah Elliott combined for 3 touchdowns against China.

Mexico Defends Title in Electrifying Final

In a rematch of the 2022 final, Mexico edged the USA 26-21 in a last-second thriller. QB Diana Flores connected with Victoria Chavez for the game-winning touchdown with 3 seconds remaining, cementing Mexico’s status as a flag football powerhouse.

"We played the greatest football here," said Flores. "This victory proves our 2022 gold was no fluke."

Road to LA 2028

International Federation of American Football President Pierre Trochet praised the event: "This tournament sets a new standard. The growth of flag football is unstoppable."

GB’s Future Prospects

• European Championships: GB women aim to defend their title in Paris (24-27 Sept).
• Olympic Vision: With a world No. 5 ranking, GB’s performance in Chengdu signals strong potential for 2028.

Final Standings (Women’s Division)

1. 🥇 Mexico
2. 🥈 USA
3. 🥉 Canada
4. Austria
5. Great Britain

Flag football continues to surge globally, blending athleticism and strategy. Follow BBC Sport for updates on GB’s Olympic journey.