World Games 2025 flag football saw Mexico fend off the United States in a thrilling final to defend their title. The match, filled with intense moments and a dramatic last-second touchdown, confirmed Mexico’s dominance in women’s flag football on the international stage.
Flag football, a fast-growing sport, made its second appearance at the World Games in Chengdu, China, from August 14 to 17, 2025. The tournament featured eight national women’s teams competing for the gold medal. The event took place at the Chengdu No. 7 High School Eastern Campus Athletics Field, highlighting the sport’s increasing global reach.
The competition attracted attention due to the strong rivalry between Mexico and the United States, two powerhouse nations in flag football. Their meeting in the final was highly anticipated, promising an exciting showdown.
The 2022 World Games had ended with Mexico decisively beating the USA 39-6 in the final. This year, the game was much closer, characterized by tough defense and strategic play.
The first half was a defensive battle, with both teams preventing each other from scoring early on. The United States broke the deadlock late in the second quarter when Ashlea Klam scored a touchdown. However, Mexico responded quickly with touchdowns by Mónica Rangel and Tania Rincón, finishing the half with a 14-7 lead.
The second half continued the back-and-forth tension. The United States fought hard to stay in the game. With just 28 seconds left, Madison Fulford scored a touchdown, and the USA took a narrow 21-20 lead after a successful extra point.
In the final 14 seconds of the game, Mexico had possession near the American goal line, thanks to two defensive penalties against the USA. With just three seconds remaining, Mexican quarterback Diana Flores threw a precise pass to Victoria Chávez. Chávez caught the ball in the back corner of the end zone, sealing a 26-21 victory for Mexico. The final whistle followed immediately, ending the match with Mexico defending their title in the most dramatic fashion.
By winning this closely contested final, Mexico not only kept their World Games gold medal but also demonstrated their strength and resilience in the sport. This back-to-back win cements Mexico’s position as the leading nation in women’s flag football.
The victory also boosts the sport’s profile globally, especially as flag football is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Mexico’s performance sends a strong message that they are a team to watch as the sport continues to grow.
Several players stood out during the tournament, helping their teams reach the final and push for victory.
Diana Flores, Mexico’s quarterback, showed excellent leadership and accuracy throughout the games. Her calm under pressure and ability to make clutch plays, especially in the final moments, made her a key figure in Mexico’s success.
Silvia Contreras, Mexico’s team captain, played an important role on both offense and defense, guiding her teammates and maintaining team spirit.
For the USA, Ashlea Klam was a standout performer, scoring early in the final and showing great potential as a rising star in the sport. Madison Fulford’s late touchdown brought the USA back into contention, showcasing the team’s determination.
This final was more than just a game; it represented the rapid rise of flag football as a global sport. The intensity and skill displayed by Mexico and the USA highlighted how competitive and exciting the sport has become.
With flag football scheduled to be featured in the 2028 Olympic Games, the World Games tournament acted as a significant stepping stone. It allowed players and teams to showcase their talents on a big stage and build experience ahead of the Olympics.
The Mexico-USA rivalry in flag football is now one of the most exciting in international sports, creating more interest and drawing attention from fans around the world.
Mexico and the USA have faced off in several major flag football tournaments. They met in the gold medal games of the 2022 and 2025 World Games, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Women’s World Championships, and the 2023 Americas Continental Championship. This strong history has built a rivalry marked by competitive spirit and respect.
Their close matches push both teams to improve and innovate, raising the overall quality of the sport.
After the World Games, both Mexico and the USA are focusing on upcoming tournaments, including the second IFAF Americas Continental Championship in Panama later this year. These competitions will be critical as the teams prepare for the 2028 Olympics and try to maintain or improve their rankings.
The World Games 2025 final has set a high standard for flag football, promising thrilling matches in the years to come.
World Games 2025 flag football showcased some of the best talent in the sport, culminating in a historic and exciting final. Mexico’s ability to defend their title against a determined USA team highlighted their skill, teamwork, and resilience.
As flag football moves toward Olympic inclusion, the sport’s popularity and competitiveness are only set to increase. Fans can expect more high-stakes matches and dramatic moments like those witnessed in Chengdu.
This memorable final not only celebrated the athletes’ achievements but also marked an important chapter in the global growth of flag football.
Do follow on Instagram
Also Read : 10 Best Fashion Trends in the USA Right Now
Burlington Stores, Inc. (NYSE: BURL) has raised its full-year financial projections following a strong second-quarter…
Best Buy has reported a notable increase in its comparable sales despite raising prices on…
Renewable energy adoption is transforming how America powers its homes, businesses, and transportation. Across the…
Hormel Foods price hikes commodity costs — that is the story now unfolding as one…
Clean water is something many people take for granted. But across the United States, there…
Rising sea levels are slowly changing life on the East Coast of the United States.…