Historic 2025 IFAF Central America Championships Set to Crown Regional Football Champions
Tegucigalpa, Honduras, will host the inaugural IFAF-sanctioned Central America Championships from April 3–6, as four nations—El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—compete for the regional tackle football crown. The tournament, organized by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), marks a milestone for the sport in Central America, with group stages split between Honduras and El Salvador, culminating in medal matches on July 27.
Tournament Structure and Schedule
The championship begins with six group-stage games, followed by bronze and gold medal matches. Host nation Honduras will stage the opening round from April 3–6 at Tegucigalpa’s Estadio Olímpico José Simón Azcona, while El Salvador takes over in July for the final group games and medal deciders.
Key Matchups:
- April 3 (Honduras):
- Guatemala vs El Salvador (2 PM)
- Nicaragua vs Honduras (5 PM)
- April 6 (Honduras):
- El Salvador vs Nicaragua (12 PM)
- Honduras vs Guatemala (3 PM)
- July 24 (El Salvador):
- Guatemala vs Nicaragua (2 PM)
- El Salvador vs Honduras (5 PM)
The top two teams after the group stage advance to the Gold Medal Game on July 27, while the third and fourth-placed teams compete for bronze. All times are local, and select games will be streamed live on IFAF.TV.
Defending Champions and Regional Rivalries
Nicaragua enters as the defending tackle football champion after securing victory in the 2024 tournament, which combined tackle and flag football events across three nations. This year’s standalone championship raises the stakes, with Honduras aiming to leverage home-field advantage and El Salvador seeking redemption on their home soil in July.
IFAF’s Vision for Growth
Javier L’Episcopo, IFAF Director for the Americas, emphasized the event’s significance: “This is another step forward for tackle football in Central America. The consistent participation of these four nations underscores the sport’s growing footprint, and we anticipate thrilling competition.”
Road to the Medal Round
Fans can expect intense rivalries, particularly in the July 24 clash between El Salvador and Honduras, a rematch of their April 6 showdown. Nicaragua’s defense against Guatemala on July 24 will also shape the final standings.
July 27 Medal Games (El Salvador):
- Bronze Medal Game (Time TBD)
- Gold Medal Game (Time TBD)
The 2025 championships not only aim to crown a regional champion but also bolster American football’s visibility in Central America, building on the momentum of recent years.
Photo: Asociación Guatemalteca de Football Americano
