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Canada's women's team poses during the media day ahead of the Flag Football World Championships, the sports first Olympic qualifier for LA28, in Duesseldorf, Germany, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
By The Canadian Press

Canadian flag football teams perfect on opening day of world championships

Aug 13, 2026 | 8:01 AM

DÜSSELDORF — Quarterback Sara Parker put on a passing clinic as Canada’s women opened the world flag football championships with two wins Thursday.

Parker completed 29 of 39 passes and threw four touchdowns in a 27-14 victory over Panama, including three to Caroline Moquin-Joubert.

Parker then completed 24 of 32 passes with four more touchdowns as Canada rolled past Brazil 36-6. Marianne Quirion and Frédérique Morneau each scored two touchdowns.

Canada’s men opened with a 26-6 win over Austria. Michael O’Connor completed 19 of 24 passes for four touchdowns. The men improved to 2-0 after being awarded a victory over Nigeria, which withdrew because of visa issues.

Both Canadian teams continue preliminary-round action against Japan on Friday.

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The top two finishers in each tournament will qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. If the already-qualified United States reaches the final, the top three teams will earn Olympic berths.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 13, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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