LIVESTREAM IFAF Flag Football WC: Day 1 – Aug. 27, 08:00 CET (8 am, 2 am EDT)

They have arrived at the Pajulahti Olympic Centre in Finland from five continents around the globe. Where they’re aiming next is clear. All 660 athletes from 32 nations are going for gold at the 11th IFAF Flag Football World Championships from August 27-30.

All matches at the largest and most significant tournament in the sport’s history will be streamed live at IFAF.TV with score updates at the IFAF Game Centre and statistics in real time at the official event website.

“We are going to be the toughest team to beat,” says United States  quarterback Vanita Krouch, whose nation is looking to win an unprecedented third straight women’s world title. “We know that anytime we step on the field, we have to play our best and people are going to bring their best game, so it’s a lot of pressure but it’s what we’re built for.”

USA goes up against familiar challengers Mexico, who, led by one of the iconic stars of flag football Diana Flores were runners up last time around in 2021, but subsequently won gold at The World Games a year later by beating the US.

Watch live. IFAF Flag Football WC: Day 1 – Aug. 27, 08:00 CET (8 am, 2 am EDT)

Europe’s challenge to the domination of teams representing the Americas is led by continental champions Great Britain. Since France wore the world crown in 2006, Mexico and Canada (twice each) and Panama won the title before USA wrestled control.

“Bring it on!” says Great Britain defensive back Ellie Thorpe. “We’ve got a lot of playmakers, so in those really important moments they’re going to make those catches, they’re going to get those stops, they’re going to clinch the win. And we’ve come back from being down so many times that I know they’re all so determined to get the victory.”

Japan proved invincible in the Asia-Oceania games last year, romping to the continental title and have a rising star in quarterback Chihiro Iwata, whose precision-passing can carve opponents apart. Debutants Australia claimed the silver medal and are among the contenders from that part of the world.

“I think our mentality is going to be one of our biggest strengths, as well as being really hungry for it,” says wide receiver Kodie Fuller. “We’re going to get off the plane and come out ready to fight.”

Watch live. IFAF Flag Football WC: Day 1 – Aug. 27, 08:00 CET (8 am, 2 am EDT)

The men’s competition begins at 9.15am on Tuesday and USA is targeting a fifth straight world title and a sixth in seven attempts. The past three tournaments have seen Mexico, Austria, Denmark and Panama finish among the medals but unable to halt the runaway Americans.

“Everybody’s going to try to upset us,” says USA receiver Bruce Mapp. “We do know we’ll get everybody’s best game. We are a big family and the bond we have, especially on our offensive side where we have five guys from one club. We know each other inside out.”

Germany spearheads the challenge from Europe as continental champions, though silver medalists Austria, resurgent Italy and free-scoring Israel are among a logjam of nations planning to mount a challenge.

“As a country we’ve developed in the last two or three years, but now it’s time to prove it and obviously the US is the team to beat,” says Germany’s veteran quarterback Benjamin Kelver. “The expectation is to win gold.”

From elsewhere in the world, Canada arrives with great expectations for quarterback Mason Nyhus, who two years ago was the national collegiate player of the year when leading the University of Saskatchewan in tackle football.

Australia and New Zealand aim to impress from down under, the Kiwis having taken the silver medal at the Asia-Oceania tournament last year where they upset another contender, Japan, in the semifinals.

“A lot of our guys haven’t had an opportunity to go against some of the European and American teams, so we’re excited,” said wide receiver Jack Preston. “We’ve built a really strong culture in our in our group and we’re all brothers at this point. We’re going to be bringing a lot of heart and it’s an honor for us to wear the silver fern and the black jersey of New Zealand.”

USA opens the defense of its title at 9.15 am on Tuesday, August 27 on Field 1 against Brazil, Germany goes up against Sweden at 10.30am on Field 5, and New Zealand debuts against Korea at 11.45am on Field 5. All games will be streamed live at IFAF.TV.

Watch live. IFAF Flag Football WC: Day 1 – Aug. 27, 08:00 CET (8 am, 2 am EDT)