NFL showcases flag football at Olympic qualifiers in Germany
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 1:17 PM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026
The NFL is participating in the Olympic qualifiers for flag football in Dusseldorf, Germany, marking a significant step in its global strategy. This inaugural event double-functions as the world championships, featuring over 300 players from 18 countries. The NFL envisions flag football as a way to engage young viewers and build a future fan base. Olympic medals are set to be contested in Los Angeles in two years, with NFL branding prevalent throughout the qualifiers. The league is partnering with local governments and schools to promote flag football classes globally, aiming to foster participation and long-term interest in the sport.
- •NFL hosts first Olympic qualifier for flag football in Dusseldorf
- •Over 300 players from 18 countries are competing
- •Event serves as both Olympic qualifier and world championship
- •NFL aims to promote youth engagement through flag football
- •Olympic medals will be available in Los Angeles in 2028
- 1:17 PMYahoo Sports — How flag football is key to the NFL's plans to further global reach
"The NFL is still hoping to reap the rewards. The league is making its presence known this week in Dusseldorf as the German city hosts the first-ever Olympic qualifier in flag football, a game the NFL sees as a way to turn viewers into players and lifelong fans. There are already NFL-branded flag classes in schools from Europe to Australia, Olympic medals on offer in Los Angeles in two years’ time and NFL-backed leagues coming soon that could offer a livelihood to some of the more than 300 players from 18 countries participating in the qualifiers that began Thursday and which double as the world championships.
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