Israel enters the tournament with momentum and drive. The men’s team is ranked eighth globally, while the women's team is ranked 17th.
Israel enters the tournament with momentum and drive. The men’s team is ranked eighth globally, while the women's team is ranked 17th.
Israel’s men’s and women’s national flag football squads began competition on Thursday at the IFAF European Championship in Paris, with hopes of advancing toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where flag football will debut as an official sport.
Israel enters the tournament with momentum and drive. The men’s team is ranked eighth globally, while the women's team is ranked 17th.
In Thursday’s group stage games, the Israeli men beat Slovakia 66-6 in their opener and then topped Sweden 50-6 before playing Hungary late, while the blue-and-white women fell 20-16 to Switzerland and were defeated 39-7 by Austria.
“Qualifying for the Olympics would be a historic moment for Israel and for flag football worldwide,” said Steve Leibowitz, President of American Football in Israel. “It would give our athletes the platform they deserve and inspire the next generation of players.”
Former NFL great Julian Edelman sent the teams a video encouraging them in Paris and wishing everyone a happy, safe new year.
Gateway to the Olympics
The road to the 2028 Olympics runs through Paris. The Euros serve as a gateway to the World Championships, which ultimately determine the five coveted international Olympic berths per gender. With the United States already guaranteed a spot as host nation, every game matters for Israel’s chance at Olympic history.
As the teams take the field in Europe, all of Israel will be cheering – knowing that every touchdown brings the dream of Olympic glory one step closer.
Category: General Sports
