The first day of the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships produced two wins for Great Britain Women over France and China, while Great Britain Men came up short against Italy and France.
Great Britain Women set the tone early in their first game of the day against France, with defensive back Hannah Elliott grabbing two interceptions to steal all momentum from the French attack.
Textbook aerial connection between Great Britain quarterback Brittany Botterill and receivers Emily Kemp and Grace Conway kept the British offense rolling while another interception, from Jochebed Frimpong added to the highlights on the way to a 33-14 victory.
Great Britain Men faced European champions Italy in their opening game, showing real promise as quarterback Christian Strong connected with GB debutant Luke Sweeney on a pair of touchdowns.
Italy would ultimately take control of game in the second half, sealing a 21-12 win.
Next up for Great Britain Women was a familiar foe, but World Championship debutant in China. A thrilling back and forth saw the Lions with their backs against the wall for much of the game, but it was once again the poise and precision of Botterill that kept the points flowing with touchdowns to Emily Kemp and Marta Mathews. Kemp also found herself delivering passing touchdowns of her own, finding debutant Angelica Tait who lunged into the endzone.
Down 19-14 at the half, stout defense, sure hands and a crucial goal-line stand led Great Britain to a 26-25 victory.
In the final game of the day, Great Britain Men took on their opponents from the EuroFlag 2025 third-place playoff, France.
Backed by a boisterous crowd in Düsseldorf, France quick piled points on the board going up 20-0. Great Britain responded with Strong finding centre Spencer Brown for a toe-tapping touchdown in the corner of the endzone. Down 28-6 at the half, the Lions had a mountain to climb. France continued to find the endzone, but Great Britain found rhythm late in the game, with touchdowns from Joe Cotterill, Ben Schneller closing out a 32-43 loss.