Panama is gearing up to host the IFAF Americas Flag Continental Championship 2025, which will take place from September 12 to 14 in Panama City. This event will bring together national men’s and women’s flag football teams from North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean, solidifying its status as one of the most important competitions for the sport in the region.
The tournament will feature the two best women’s teams in the world, the United States and Mexico, led by their iconic quarterbacks, Vanita Krouch and Diana Flores, respectively. Both players have been at the center of a rivalry that has defined multiple international tournaments.
A tournament with history and high expectations
In the 2023 edition, the United States defeated Mexico in the continental final, repeating the result at the 2024 Flag Football World Championship. This year, the competition promises to be just as intense, with both teams looking to reaffirm their dominance in the sport.
Simultaneously, the first IFAF Americas Youth Flag Football Championship will be held, featuring U15 and U17 categories for national men’s and women’s teams. This parallel event will take place on adjacent fields, highlighting the commitment to developing future generations of athletes.
Panama: a world-class host
Luis Alfredo Navas, president of the Panamanian Federation of American Football (AFFP), expressed his “enthusiasm for welcoming the best flag football players from across the continent.” According to Navas, “the tournament will not only be a high-level competition but also an opportunity for visitors to enjoy Panama’s vibrant urban life, rich culture, and natural wonders, including the Panama Canal.”
In the men’s tournament, the United States will aim to defend its title against Mexico, its eternal rival, whom it defeated in the 2023 final. Meanwhile, Panama’s men’s team, which earned bronze in the same championship, will look to improve its performance and capitalize on its experience as the host nation.
The legacy of flag football in Panama
Panama’s women’s team has a distinguished history in flag football. They were world champions in 2016, runners-up in 2018 when the country hosted the World Championship, and bronze medalists at the 2022 World Games. However, in 2023, they missed the continental podium after being surpassed by Canada.
Among the local stars is Ana Vincensini, a standout wide receiver who has excelled in collegiate football in the United States. Vincensini was named Sun Conference Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, thanks to her impressive stats: 84 receptions, 849 yards, and 19 touchdowns during her junior season at Warner University.
A family-friendly experience
The event will not only be a sports spectacle but also an experience for fans. Attendees will enjoy a Fan Zone with family activities, live music, games, art, food trucks, and official merchandise stores. This space aims to attract more people to the sport and foster a festive atmosphere during the championship.
Javier L’Episcopo, IFAF Director for the Americas, highlighted the “confidence in the local organizing committee to replicate the success of the 2018 Flag Football World Championship,” also held in Panama. According to L’Episcopo, this tournament represents an important step in the development of flag football in the region.
A sport on the rise
Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, with 20 million athletes in over 100 countries. The IFAF Americas Flag 2025 will serve as a showcase for the talent and creativity that define this sport, which continues to gain momentum ahead of its debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
