Flag football in the 2028 Olympics
Flag football is going to the Olympics. The sport makes its debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games with men's and women's 5v5 tournaments — the same fast, no-contact game played in parks and leagues everywhere, now on the world's biggest stage.
- Flag football debuts at LA 2028, the sport's first Olympics.
- Both a men's and a women's tournament, played 5v5.
- Six teams per side; the host USA qualifies automatically.
- Rosters of up to 10 players, with no cap per position.
- Played on a 70-yard field over two 20-minute halves.
When and where
Flag football is on the program for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The International Olympic Committee approved it — alongside cricket, lacrosse, squash, and baseball/softball — as part of the LA28 host-city additions in 2023. Matches are slated for BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, and the tournaments are scheduled early in the Games, with the first Olympic flag football champions crowned in the opening week.
The format
Olympic flag football uses the 5v5 format: five players on the field per team, no helmets or pads, and a flag pull in place of a tackle. The field of play runs 70 yards (including two 10-yard end zones), and games are two 20-minute halves. If that sounds familiar, it's because it mirrors the international and NFL FLAG game most leagues already run. For the full rule set, see our flag football rules explained guide and the breakdown of flag football positions.
Each tournament features six teams. Rosters are expected to carry up to 10 players, with no limit on how many play a given position — useful in a game where athletes flip between offense and defense.
How teams qualify
As the host nation, the United States qualifies automatically in both the men's and women's events. The remaining spots are filled through an international qualification pathway run by the sport's global federation, confirmed in early 2026. Expect continental and world-championship results to decide who fills out the six-team fields on each side.
Will NFL stars play?
Possibly. The IOC and the NFL have signaled openness to NFL players competing, which has fueled plenty of speculation about dream-team rosters. But national-team selection rules are still being finalized, and Olympic flag football is its own discipline — quick-twitch route running, flag pulling, and 5v5 spacing reward specialists, not just star power. Nothing is locked in yet.
Why it's a big deal for the grassroots game
An Olympic spotlight tends to pull new players, coaches, and families into a sport. For the youth and rec leagues that make up most of flag football, that means bigger sign-ups and more first-time coaches and referees. If a wave of new players is headed your way, it helps to be ready: brush up on coaching, refereeing, and running a league before the rush.
Frequently asked questions
Is flag football in the Olympics?
Yes. Flag football will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games, with both men's and women's tournaments played in the 5v5 format. The IOC approved it as part of the LA28 program in 2023.
What format will Olympic flag football use?
It is 5v5 — five players on the field per team — played on a 70-yard field over two 20-minute halves. Each tournament features six teams, with rosters of up to 10 players and no limit on players per position.
Will NFL players play in the 2028 Olympics?
It's possible. The IOC and NFL have opened the door, but rosters aren't set and national-team selection rules are still being finalized. The host United States qualifies automatically in both events.
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