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 triumphed over the United States with a dramatic 26-21 score. With only three seconds left, Diana Flores, Mexico’s star player, threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Victoria Chávez, overcoming the US’s late lead.
Impact and Future Aspirations
This gold medal solidifies Mexico’s role in promoting flag football and strengthening their pursuit of an Olympic podium in 2028. The United States, the birthplace and dominant force of flag football and American football through the NFL, has previously defeated Mexico in the last two IFAF World Championship finals.
Diana Flores: A Flag Football Icon
Diana Flores, Mexico’s captain and a prominent figure in 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,” Flores said. “I believe this sport connects people in a unique way and will continue to open doors for countless boys and girls to achieve their dreams both on and off the field. We are witnessing a flag football revolution worldwide, and this is just the beginning.”
According to Arturo Olivé, General Director of NFL Mexico, the country had over 550,000 children actively participating in flag football by mid-2023. Diana Flores’ impact was also evident during the 2023 Super Bowl, where she reached over 20 million Mexican NFL fans through a commercial promoting flag football.
Looking Ahead: Towards Los Angeles 2028
Mexico’s second consecutive gold medal at the World Games encourages them to maintain their Olympic aspirations for Los Angeles 2028, where flag football will make its Olympic debut.
Upcoming Competitions
- IFAF Continental Championship in September 2025 (Panama)
- IFAF World Championship in Düsseldorf, Germany (August 2026)
FMFA President’s Message
“We need to keep supporting the new generations,” said Sandra ‘Payton’ Romero, a pioneer of flag football in Mexico and an internationally recognized figure by the NFL. “What better way than through an Olympic sport?”
Mexico’s Champion Team in Chengdu 2025
The Mexican team that clinched gold 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
Medal Standings
United States secured silver, while Canada took bronze after defeating Austria 38-20 in the third-place match.
Mexico’s Invincible March to Gold
Group Stage
- 41-24 vs Japan
- 46-7 vs Italy
- 34-13 vs United Kingdom
