Daniel Iriarte
Chepe Zazueta
Another International Championship for Mexico's Flag Football
Mexico was crowned champion of the NFL Flag Championships 2026 in the U-15 girls' category after defeating Panama 20-7 at the Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana, within the metropolitan area of Indianapolis. The victory had a special ingredient: it was direct revenge, after the Panamanian team had ended the Mexican team's undefeated streak in the group stage, which was their only loss of the tournament.
The team from Cancun, led by coach Sergio Ángel Orozco Medellín, accompanied by assistant coach Emilio “Titán” Fernández, showed character and growth throughout the competition. After the initial setback, the national team adjusted their game and became one of the most solid teams, standing out for their tactical order and offensive effectiveness in key moments.
On their path to the title, Mexico overcame high-level international teams, eliminating representatives such as New Zealand, Great Britain, Germany, and Panama in the grand final, all powerhouse rivals in flag football, which further highlights the magnitude of the championship achieved.
In the final, the standout player was Debanhi Sifuentes, who led her team with decisive performances and earned the recognition as the tournament's most valuable player. Her performance was key to sealing a championship that will be marked in the history of national flag football. With this result, the national team not only lifts the trophy but also confirms the growth of women's flag football in the country and the emergence of a generation that is already competing at the global elite level.
