Introduction to Flag Football and Mexico’s Achievements
Mexico has significantly enhanced its standing in the history of flag football by becoming the first nation to secure consecutive gold medals at the World Games, an alternative competition to the Olympics. The 2025 edition in Chengdu, China, featured 118 participating countries.
Mexico’s Flag Football Journey
In 2022, Mexico’s women’s team won the first-ever flag football tournament at the World Games in Alabama, USA. They entered the 2025 World Games as defending champions and reigning silver medalists in the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Championship, as well as second in the global rankings.
Dramatic Victory Over the United States
In the final match on Sunday, Mexico defeated the United States 26-21 in a thrilling encounter. With only three seconds left, Mexican star Diana Flores threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Victoria Chávez, overcoming the US’s late lead.
Impact and Future Aspirations
This gold medal further solidifies Mexico’s position as a contender for Olympic glory in Los Angeles 2028, where flag football will make its Olympic debut.
Diana Flores: A Flag Football Icon
Diana Flores, the team captain and a prominent figure in Mexican flag football, expressed her joy and pride after the victory. She emphasized how flag football has transformed her life and its potential to inspire future generations.
“Flag football has changed my life. I believe this sport helps us connect with people in a very special way. I think flag football will continue to open doors for many children and girls to achieve their dreams both on and off the field. We are witnessing a revolution in flag football around the world, and this is just the beginning.”
Growth of Flag Football in Mexico
Flag football has experienced significant growth in Mexico, with over 550,000 children actively participating by mid-2023. Diana Flores’ influence on the sport was evident during the 2023 Super Bowl, where she appeared in a commercial promoting flag football, reaching over 20 million Mexican NFL fans.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Competitions
With the Olympic dream in sight, Mexico will focus on upcoming competitions. The IFAF Continental Championship in September 2023 will be a crucial stepping stone before the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
FMFA President’s Message
“Our focus now is on preparing for the continental championship in September. We will have discussions and media interactions this weekend before fully engaging in the continental tournament leading up to Los Angeles 2028,” said César Barrera, FMFA president.
Barrera acknowledged areas for improvement: “Overall, the result is excellent, but we also identified aspects where we underperformed. We made significant errors in the final that could have changed the outcome, and while our team played well enough to overcome these issues and win, we will address these areas moving forward.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is flag football? Flag football is a variant of American football where the traditional football is replaced with a flag attached to each player’s belt. The objective is to advance the ball and score touchdowns by pulling flags from opposing players.
- Why is Mexico’s gold medal significant? Mexico’s consecutive gold medals at the World Games elevate its global standing in flag football and reinforce its ambitions for Olympic success in Los Angeles 2028.
- Who is Diana Flores? Diana Flores is a prominent figure in Mexican flag football, serving as team captain and a role model for aspiring athletes. Her influence extends beyond Mexico, as she appeared in a 2023 Super Bowl commercial promoting the sport.
- What are Mexico’s upcoming competitions? Mexico will participate in the IFAF Continental Championship in September 2023, followed by the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics where flag football will make its debut.
Mexico’s Champion Team in Chengdu 2025
The Mexican team that triumphed in Chengdu 2025 consists of:
- Diana Flores
- Victoria Chávez
- Silvia Contreras
- Mónica Rangel
- Andrea Fernández
- Ana Aguayo
- Elizabeth Bourde
- Andrea Martínez
- Zara Galán
- Allison Salazar
- Tania Rincón
- Ángela Funes
The United States secured silver, and Canada took bronze after defeating Austria 38-20 in the third-place match.
