American Football · Flag

IFAF Flag Football World Ranking

Flag football is a non-contact five-a-side version of American football: instead of tackling, defenders pull a flag from the ball carrier's belt.

Origin

Flag football began as a recreational game in the USA, played on military bases in the 1940s.

Fun fact

Flag football will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, for both men and women.

Strongest nations

The USA, Mexico, Italy, Austria and Japan are among the leading flag football nations.

Governing body

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF), which runs the Flag Football World Championships.