IFAF Flag Football WC – Men: #1 Team USA and #2 Mexico advance to quarterfinals

The men’s competition at the 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships has reached the quarterfinal stages after a thrilling day of action and surprises at the Pajulahti Olympic Centre in Lahti, Finland.

In the Round of 16, top ten-ranked nations Panama and Japan were beaten by Switzerland and six-time European champions Denmark respectively. The Danes won a thriller 20-19 and the Swiss enjoyed a seven-point margin of victory.

Reigning champion the United States dispatched the lowest ranked team in the knockout stages Czechia 68-18 and silver medalists three years ago Mexico beat Spain 42-31.

France proved too strong for Great Britain in a 37-36 game that only swung the way of the victors late on. Canada advanced 46-38 at the expense of Israel, while The World Games finalists from 2022 Italy upset European champions Germany 48-26. Austria fought off a late comeback by Australia to win 28-26 ensure that five European nations will contest the last eight.

Thursday’s quarterfinals at 10.30am see USA up against a resurgent Italy, Switzerland takes on Canada, Mexico faces France and Austria meets Denmark. The semifinals will be played at 3.30pm and 4.45pm for a place in Friday’s Gold Medal Game at Lahti Stadium.

Earlier in the day as the groups were settled, number one seed United States (3-0) topped Group A ahead of France (2-1) and number two-ranked Mexico (3-0) progressed along with Australia (2-1) from Group B after big wins to end the group stages.

Number 15 in the world Great Britain upset European champions and number three seed Germany in a convincing 34-20 win. Both went through to the last 16 from Group C while shaking up the order of the knockout bracket.

Austria (3-0) handed Switzerland (2-1) their only loss to set the order in Group D and in Group E it was Italy and Canada who emerged from a three-way 2-1 tie as hosts Finland dropped into the placement competition.

Panama (3-0) topped Group F, and it was Czechia who emerged with a 1-2 record having won tiebreakers over Asia-Oceania silver medalists New Zealand, who are ranked 11 places above them in the world, and Korea.

Israel and Denmark qualified for the knockout stages from Group G, and in Group H, Japan (3-0) emerged in top spot ahead of France (2-1).

All game scores, statistics, standings and a schedule of upcoming games can be found at the official tournament website.