Mexican teams excel at NFL Flag Championships, securing one title and a runner-up finish

Mexican teams showcased their prowess at the NFL Flag Championships 2026, clinching a championship title in the women's division and a runner-up position in the mixed category. The event, held in Westfield, Indiana, brought together over 350 young athletes from 13 countries, including Germany, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Spain, Great Britain, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Puerto Rico, and the United States.

The standout performance came from the Mexican women's 15U team from Cancún, Quintana Roo, who captured the championship title. Their victory was sealed with a 20-7 win over Panama in the final. Debanhi Sifuentes was recognized for her exceptional play, earning the Most Valuable Player award. "It's a feeling hard to explain because it's not just happiness, it's like all the effort was worth it," Sifuentes shared about her award. "I take an incredible experience, I learned to trust myself more, to value teamwork even more, and to understand that every challenge makes you grow."

In the 15U mixed category, Mexico's representatives from Querétaro reached the final but ultimately fell short, losing a hard-fought match 19-13 to Canada. The close contest highlighted the competitive level of the tournament.

According to NFL data, flag football is experiencing rapid global growth, with the women's sector being a key area of expansion. The sport's recent inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games program is expected to further boost youth talent development worldwide. Mexico's success at this championship reflects the sport's sustained growth within the country over the past few years. NFL Mexico has pledged to continue promoting flag football, emphasizing values such as teamwork, discipline, respect, gender equality, tolerance, and family unity.

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It's a feeling hard to explain because it's not just happiness, it's like all the effort was worth it. I take an incredible experience, I learned to trust myself more, to value teamwork even more, and to understand that every challenge makes you grow.