Team Canada won three games on Thursday on the opening day of the 2026 World Flag Football Championships in Dusseldorf, Germany. On the women’s side, Canada defeated Panama 27-14 and Brazil 36-6. On the men’s side, Canada beat Austria 26-6.
In Canada’s won over Panama, receiver Caroline Moquin-Joubert of Saint-Lambert, Quebec caught three touchdown passes from quarterback Sara Parker of Greenfield Park, Quebec. Canada’s other touchdown was a pass from Parker to Laura Molimard of Vaudreuil, Quebec.
In Canada’s win over Brazil, three Canadians recorded touchdowns. Marianne Quirion of Sherbrooke, Quebec and Frederique Morneau of Quebec City, Quebec had two touchdowns each and Molimard recorded another touchdown for Canada.
In Canada’s win over Austria, Canada’s star player was quarterback Michael O’Connor of Orleans, Ontario. The former Vanier Cup champion with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, O’Connor completed 19 of 24 passes and had four touchdown passes. According to 3downnation.com, Francois Rocheleau of Montreal, Quebec caught three of the touchdown passes. The Austrians were ranked second in the world heading into the world championships.
Canada plays Japan on the men’s and women’s side on Friday. The Canadian men were initially scheduled to have two games on Friday, but they will no longer play Nigeria. The Nigerians withdrew fron the tournament because of visa problems.
