Eight men’s and eight women’s national flag football teams will compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Specific national federations will be selected to participate. They will represent global diversity and top athletic performance.

💡 Stuck on a team name? Try our free Team Name Generator →

TL;DR

Flag football is set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, featuring eight national teams for both men and women, with strict 5-on-5 rules and specific field dimensions of 50 meters for playing length and 27 meters width, different from the NFL FLAG standard.

What Are the Rules for Olympic Flag Football?

Olympic flag football follows a 5-on-5 format designed to minimise contact while maximizing mechanical execution. Teams have three downs to advance the ball across midfield for a first down, and then three more downs to score a touchdown.

• Play stops immediately if a player's flag is pulled, the ball hits the ground, or the ball carrier steps out of bounds.
• Quarterbacks have 7 seconds to release a forward pass; failure results in a loss of down.
• "No-Run Zones" are enforced, prohibiting running plays when starting within 5 yards of midfield and the goal line.

What Field Dimensions and Equipment Are Required?

The IFAF Olympic format for flag football uses specific field dimensions, different from many other leagues. All players must wear quick-release flag belts and pocketless shorts.

• The playing field length for the IFAF Olympic format is 50 meters, with a total length of 70 meters including end zones.
• The standard width is 27 meters, with end zones being 10 meters deep.
• Permitted footwear includes soccer cleats with molded rubber or synthetic plastic spikes not exceeding 0.5 inches.

How Can Teams Qualify for the Olympics?

Qualification criteria for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will likely involve a combination of continental championships and world rankings, managed by IFAF. Teams will need to demonstrate consistent performance in international tournaments to secure one of the limited spots for both men's and women's divisions. For tackle football, visit ProPlayerTeam.

• Teams will need to participate in IFAF-sanctioned events to earn ranking points.
• Continental championships will likely serve as pathways for direct qualification spots.
• The host nation, the United States, typically receives an automatic entry.

How to Choose the Right Footwear for Flag Football

Choosing the right footwear for flag football involves selecting cleats that provide traction without violating safety regulations. Consider the playing surface and local league rules for optimal performance. For football, visit ProPlayerTeam.

• Look for soccer cleats with molded rubber or synthetic plastic spikes.

Our Expert

NR

Nic Reese

Our Sport Expert

Nic Reese is a sports expert and lifelong enthusiast with a deep focus on bowling and competitive team sports. He brings practical insight, real-world experience, and a genuine passion for the game into every piece of content. Nick is driven by a love of sports culture, performance, and helping players and teams perform at their best.