Olympic Flag Football

Flag football is set to make its historic Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games, bringing a fresh, fast-paced version of American football to the world stage. This exciting development marks a major milestone for the sport and highlights the International Olympic Committee's push to modernize the Games with youth-focused, globally inclusive events.

Flag football is a non-contact format of American football, played with five players per team on a smaller field, and without traditional tackling. Instead of physical tackles, players remove a flag from the ball carrier’s belt to stop play. The result is a game that is safer, quicker, and more accessible—making it ideal for international competition and Olympic scheduling.

The inclusion of flag football in LA 2028 is both symbolic and strategic. Los Angeles is a city deeply connected to American football culture, and the NFL has been a strong advocate for promoting the sport globally. With support from USA Football and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), flag football has rapidly grown worldwide, especially in Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia.

The Olympic format is expected to feature both men's and women’s tournaments, providing equal opportunities for athletes from a variety of nations. The sport's simplicity and minimal equipment requirements have made it increasingly popular in schools, recreational leagues, and national programs across more than 100 countries. It also encourages mixed-gender play and emphasizes agility, strategy, and teamwork over brute strength.

Flag football's Olympic debut aims to introduce a wider global audience to a version of American football that is inclusive, fast-moving, and entertaining. For younger generations especially, the sport combines the excitement of traditional football with a community-focused, low-barrier format. It also aligns with the Olympic movement’s goal of attracting new fans and encouraging broad participation in sport.

At LA 2028, expect to see some of the top athletes from the NFL, college circuits, and global amateur leagues compete under their national flags. For countries like the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Japan, and Brazil—where flag football is rapidly developing—the Games present a unique opportunity to showcase talent and inspire growth.

Olympic flag football is not just a nod to American culture—it’s a globally expanding, youth-driven sport with the potential to be a major highlight of the Summer Games. Its debut in LA is set to spark excitement, open doors, and leave a lasting legacy for the future of football worldwide.