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Flag football-Mexico's captain Flores sees stiff competition for Olympic qualifying

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 6:39 GMT by reuters.com
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Mexico’s Flag Football Dream: Flores Braces for a “Stiff” Olympic Run

In the lead‑up to the Los Angeles 2028 Games, where flag football will make its Olympic debut, Mexico’s national team is sharpening its competitive edge. Captain Miguel “Micky” Flores, a seasoned player known for his quick decision‑making on the field, has outlined the hurdles that lie ahead for his squad as they target a spot in the Games’ inaugural tournament. The story, first reported by Reuters on October 24, 2025, not only captures Flores’ optimism but also paints a broader picture of the sport’s growing global reach and the intense qualification battle that has already begun.

The Olympic Qualification Landscape

Flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics has created a flurry of activity across North and South America. The qualification system, announced by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) in 2023, will feature two continental qualification tournaments. The top teams from each region will secure berths for the Games, while a final inter‑continental playoff will determine the remaining spots.

Mexico will compete in the Pan‑American qualifier hosted in Guadalajara, where the stakes are high: the tournament will decide the continent’s two representatives. With the United States, Canada, Brazil, and several Caribbean nations vying for the same two slots, the margin for error is slim. Flores acknowledges that the competition will test the squad’s resilience and adaptability.

“We’re aware that the level of play is higher than ever,” Flores told Reuters. “Our focus is on consistency, tactical discipline, and learning from each game. The opponents we’ll face here are not just technically strong; they also bring a different style that we need to counter.”

Building a Cohesive Unit

Under head coach Carlos “Charly” Martínez, the Mexican team has undergone a rigorous training program aimed at refining both offensive and defensive schemes. The squad has been practicing in a simulated climate that mirrors the heat of Los Angeles to prepare for the 2028 conditions. The team’s offensive strategy emphasizes quick handoffs and vertical routes, while the defense prioritizes aggressive flag pulling and strategic pressure to force turnovers.

Flores, who has been a staple of the national side since 2017, is now mentoring younger players such as 19‑year‑old receiver Juan Pérez and rookie defensive back María “La Loba” Torres. The blend of experience and youthful energy is a hallmark of the squad’s current roster.

A Glimpse of Past Successes

Mexico’s flag football journey began in earnest in 2015, when the country first participated in a regional tournament in Monterrey. Since then, the team has steadily climbed the ranks, earning bronze medals in the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2017 and 2019. Their most significant achievement came in 2022, when they topped the North American championship in Washington D.C., earning a spot in the world qualifiers.

These historical milestones have helped build a solid foundation for the 2028 quest. The federation’s investment in youth development programs has created a pipeline of talent that promises to keep Mexico competitive on the international stage.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While Flores remains optimistic, he also recognizes key obstacles. “The schedule is tight, and the competition is intense. We need to manage player fatigue, injuries, and the psychological pressure of a do‑or‑die tournament,” he said. He pointed out that weather conditions—especially humidity in Guadalajara—could influence play, and suggested that the team’s conditioning staff has already begun tailoring training loads accordingly.

The Mexican squad’s chances will also depend on the performance of rivals. The United States, as the reigning flag football champion, will undoubtedly be a formidable opponent. Canada’s recent resurgence and Brazil’s strong offensive line have added additional layers of complexity. In addition, the Caribbean’s rising talent pool, highlighted in a recent Reuters piece about the 2025 Caribbean flag football championships, suggests that Mexico must stay vigilant.

What’s Next?

The next phase for the Mexican flag football team is the qualifiers scheduled for November 2025 in Guadalajara. Ahead of the tournament, the squad will participate in friendly matches against teams from the U.S. and Canada to fine‑tune their strategies. The IFAF has announced that the qualifiers will also serve as a platform for evaluating the players’ adaptability to international rules and officiating.

If Mexico secures one of the two Pan‑American berths, they will advance to the inter‑continental playoff in Singapore. This playoff will determine the final two teams that will compete in the Olympic tournament. Success in Singapore will catapult the Mexican squad onto the world’s biggest sporting stage and cement flag football’s status as a global sport.

Conclusion

As the Los Angeles Games approach, Mexico’s flag football team, led by veteran captain Miguel Flores, stands at the crossroads of ambition and reality. The path to Olympic glory is lined with formidable competition and logistical challenges, yet the team’s blend of seasoned leadership and youthful vigor provides a strong foundation for success. Flores’ candid assessment—recognizing both the “stiff competition” and the opportunity to showcase their skill—underscores the excitement and unpredictability that will characterize flag football’s Olympic debut. The world will be watching to see whether the Mexican team can translate their hard‑earned experience into a historic medal haul for their country.