The 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships have reached the quarterfinal stage on the men’s side at the Pajulahti Olympic Centre in Lahti, Finland.
Thursday’s men’s quarterfinals begin at 9:30 (CET) with top ranked USA up against a resurgent Italy, Switzerland taking on Canada, Mexico facing France and Austria meeting Denmark. The semifinals will be played at 14:30 (CET) and 15:45 (CET) for a place in Friday’s Gold Medal Game at Lahti Stadium.
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.
The full schedule for the competition can be found at the Championship Game Centre.