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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)

Canadian flag football teams perfect on opening day of world championships

Aug 13, 2026 | 9:01 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.

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