2026 Flag Football World Championship Groups Decided

In a thrilling development for the global flag football community, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has revealed the group stage line-up for the upcoming 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championship, set to take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 13–16 August 2026.

Düsseldorf was officially named the host city earlier this year, with matches scheduled at the city’s brand-new, dedicated flag football complex, a first in Germany. The tournament promises to be a pivotal moment in the sport’s expansion, not least as part of the momentum building toward flag football’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

The Great Britain women’s team earned qualification by defending their European crown in a dramatic final. At Euro Flag 2025, GB beat Austria 34–33 in overtime to retain the title, and we will see this matchup in the group stage for next year’s tournament. They will be joined by eleventh-ranked side France and unranked China.

Austria and GB have one of Europe’s most intense flag football rivalries. GB famously defeated Austria in the Euro Flag 2025 final, a 34–33 overtime classic. Austria will arrive in Düsseldorf motivated for payback, and this could be one of the most anticipated matchups of the entire group stage.

China has rapidly developed their flag programme, with disciplined defensive schemes and a fast, structured offensive style. GB will be favoured, but China brings speed, unpredictability, and experience from major Asian tournaments. They finished fourth in IFAF’s Asia-Oceania Championships this year.

France pushed GB hard at Euro Flag 2025 and remains a constant threat. Athletic, well-coached, and technically strong, they often start tournaments quickly, meaning GB need to be sharp from the opening whistle against the French.

This is a balanced but dangerous group; Austria and France provide European familiarity, while China adds international contrast. GB will be expected to advance, but the group will demand focus from day one.

The men’s side secured their berth with a top-four finish at the European Championship, even though they fell to host France late in the tournament. The men have landed in a tricky and internationally diverse group featuring Italy, France and Panama.

France defeated GB during the European qualification cycle and played with speed, creativity, and an aggressive defensive style. This rematch gives GB a chance to even the score in a high-stakes setting against one of the world’s best.

Italy come off the back of an incredible 2025 after their win at Euro Flag, the Italians will look to build on that success and take it into the World Championships. The Italians will be looking to qualify for the Olympics and could see an easy way out of the group. This will be a tough test for the Men’s side.

Panama brings the physical brand of flag football associated with the Americas. They routinely qualify for global tournaments and have produced several standout athletes. Their tempo and playmaker-driven offence will challenge GB in ways European teams do not.

This is a challenging group, possibly one of the tournament’s toughest, playing the world’s fifth, sixth and ninth-ranked teams. It will take a lot of hard work to get into the knockout stages.

Great Britain’s double qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championship is a huge statement. The women arrive as European champions with momentum and confidence, while the men are ready to challenge themselves on the global stage. Düsseldorf 2026 is shaping up to be a defining moment for GB flag football, not only as a test of current talent but as a stepping stone toward Olympic ambitions in 2028.