The National Football League announced it will host the NFL Flag International Championships as part of the 2026 Pro Bowl Games in San Francisco on Feb. 1.- Feb. 3.
Young athletes from 14 countries will travel to the United States to compete in the new format of the International NFL Flag Championships, now debuting during Super Bowl LX week — the largest number of youth teams from international markets to participate in the tournament to date. Teams of 13U players will showcase their talent, build connections with peers from around the world, and experience the excitement of the 2026 Pro Bowl Games firsthand. The first two days of competition will take place at Laney College, before the finals move to the NFL Experience at the Moscone Centre in San Francisco.
“We’re excited to debut the updated format of the NFL Flag International Championships at this season’s Pro Bowl Games, now taking place during Super Bowl LX week,” said Afia Law, International Flag Football Development Lead. “With more eyes than ever on the tournament, young athletes from around the world will be able to see just how far the sport can take them, from grassroots participation all the way to the elite level, especially following flag football’s recent inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games. We can’t wait to watch these talented boys and girls represent their countries and showcase their skills as the sport continues its incredible worldwide growth.”
The NFL Flag International Championships will feature teams of boys and girls across the 13U division from five continents including Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama and Spain.
Flag football is one of fastest growing sports in the world with 20 million players across 100 countries, with women and girls driving the fastest growth. The sport will be included in the LA 2028 Olympic Games program, led by efforts of the International Federation of Flag Football (IFAF) and supported by the NFL.
