Great Britain’s Women’s and Men’s teams have discovered the nations they will each face in the groups stage of the 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships.
A total of 32 Men’s and 23 Women’s teams across six continents will battle for gold medal glory at the Pajulahti Olympic Training Centre in Lahti, Finland, from August 27-30.
Chances
GB Women, reigning European Champions are top seeds in Group D on account of the fourth place in the world rankings – they will face Panama (ranked 7), Czechia (14) and Israel (17). Meanwhile GB Men, enter the tournament ranked 14 in the world and face European Champions and third ranked team in the world Germany, Sweden (19) and outsiders, Georgia, who hold a world ranking of 30.
GB Men’s Head Coach Alan Young said: “It’s always an honour to play against the current European Champions so we can really test our mettle. It will also be good to go against Sweden, a very capable team who we have had very exciting matches with in the past. These could be a good measure of our progress as a squad and it is always a privilege to play against a new team, I’ve never had the chance to face Georgia.”
GB Women’s Head Coach Dean Whittingslow said: “We’re set for a thrilling group stage in August, facing three formidable teams. Czechia, our only defeat en route to last year’s European Championship victory, offers a chance for redemption. Israel, once a powerhouse, returns to the circuit after a hiatus, adding an element of unpredictability. Panama poses our greatest challenge, consistently strong in recent world championships. This matchup holds special significance for our OC Jack Reed, who previously led Panama to their successes.We eagerly anticipate these exciting clashes and are ready to compete at our best.
Progression
The women’s tournament will see the top three nations from five groups advance, along with the best fourth-place finisher. In the men’s competition, the winners and runners up from eight groups will qualify for the knockout Round of 16 in the quest to be crowned World Champions.
The 11th biennial event will be the largest and most significant in the sport’s history with the top seven finishers in the women’s competition also qualifying to compete along with hosts China at The World Games in Chengdu in 2025. Flag Football is poised to make its Olympic Games debut in Los Angeles in 2028.
In the men’s competition, the winners and runners up from eight groups will qualify for the knockout Round of 16 in the quest to be crowned world champions. The women’s tournament will see the top three nations from five groups advance, along with the best fourth-place finisher.
Rivalries
Away from Team GB, the draw has conjured some mouthwatering matchups. Among the highlights in the women’s competition, in Group A defending world champions the United States faces Asia-Oceania continental silver medalist Australia and France the fourth-place finisher from Europe. Those nations are poised to host the next three editions of the summer Olympic Games: Paris 2024, Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032.
Gold medalist at The World Games in 2022 Mexico will be challenged by Canada and Italy in Group B. Group C features the winner of the 2023 Asia-Oceania crown Japan and European bronze medalist Germany, while Great Britain, the champions of Europe, are paired with The World Games bronze medalist Panama in Group D.
Among the highlights in the men’s competition the United States defends a world title won in Israel in 2021 and in Group A will come up against a Spain team that missed out in the European quarter finals last year. In Group B world and continental runners up Mexico face an Australian team that made its mark at the Asia-Oceania championships. In Group G, traditionally high-scoring Israel will meet a Denmark team looking to recapture the form that won six straight European championships.
IFAF President Pierre Trochet said: “The spotlight will shine brighter than ever before on Flag Football and we are excited to see the sport’s elite athletes compete on the world stage in Finland. The competitiveness at last year’s continental championships shows that we will have a wide-open competition on a platform where new stars can emerge.”
The Great Britain Men’s and Women’s Flag Football teams have launched a GoFundMe page to support our teams in Finland. Although BAFA provides support, currently there is no key sponsor in place for international competition and with costs of rising due additional financial burden is placed on athletes.
To donate click here
Images and graphics courtesy of Andy Keith andykeith.photo