The International Federation of American Football –IFAF– has confirmed that the city of Düsseldorf will host the 2026 flag football World Championships, which will take place from 13 to 16 August. The event will mark a key milestone in the sport’s journey towards its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
The tournament will bring together the top 16 men’s and women’s national teams from around the world in a new, highly competitive format born from an expanded qualification process, with the four 2025 IFAF Continental Championships serving as the pathway.
A unique stage for flag football
The competition will be held at Düsseldorf’s dedicated flag football complex, inaugurated this year by the city and the NFL’s New England Patriots. It is the first facility of its kind in Germany and is managed by the event agency D.SPORTS, which has extensive experience in delivering major sports events.
IFAF President Pierre Trochet highlighted the importance of this edition: “This will be a game-changing flag football World Championships, a historic moment for our sport and our global community. Düsseldorf, with its strong ties to American football and passionate fan base, is an exceptional host for 2026.”
Germany, at the heart of a growing sport
The event will feature an innovative presentation, drawing on Düsseldorf’s expertise in staging major competitions and the NFL’s collaboration in promotion, production, and fan engagement.
The city also enjoys strong institutional backing. Düsseldorf Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller stated: “As host of the 2026 Flag Football World Championships, Düsseldorf will welcome athletes from around the world and offer them an ideal stage for this action-packed sport. We hope this event will inspire even more people in Germany to get involved with flag football.”
Germany is experiencing a surge in American football’s popularity, with 20 million NFL fans and four regular-season games held since 2022, with a fifth scheduled for Berlin this year. The German national team ranks 4th in the men’s world rankings and 8th in the women’s, with players like Mona Stevens, quarterback of the national team and global flag football ambassador, who said: “Seeing the 2026 World Championships in Germany is incredibly special. Flag football is growing so fast here, and the fans will bring amazing energy. It will be unforgettable.”
