Sports
Flag Football Takes Center Stage During Super Bowl LX Week
Published
5 months agoon
By
FNN SPORTS
NEW YORK – (FNN SPORTS) – Flag football will take center stage during Super Bowl LX week in the San Francisco Bay Area, celebrating the sport’s explosive growth and global reach ahead of its Olympic debut at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Super Bowl week flag football events will highlight the fast-paced and inclusive sport through a variety of events and activations, including a showdown between the sport’s top athletes, youth clinics, fan events, and much more.
Ahead of Super Bowl LX, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and the NFL are also proud to announce the newest cohort of Global Flag Ambassadors, led by Hall of Fame quarterback and San Francisco 49ers legend Steve Young. Global Flag Ambassadors play a critical role in inspiring the next generation of athletes and expanding flag football globally, and members from this year’s class will take part in flag football activations around Super Bowl LX.
Flag Football Events During Super Bowl LX Week
Throughout Super Bowl LX week, the Bay Area will host a variety of flag football activations designed to engage fans and communities.
2026 NFL Flag International Championship
Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 2:30 p.m. PT, Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South — Hall C
The 2026 NFL Flag International Championship will bring together top U13 co-ed teams from 14 countries to compete in a three-day tournament, culminating in an exciting championship game on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Super Bowl Experience at Moscone Center’s North Building. This is one of the largest international NFL Flag competitions to date, with teams and athletes from Austria, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, and Spain participating.
NFL Flag Girls High School Showcase Presented by Visa
Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m. PT, Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South — Hall C
As part of Super Bowl week celebrations, the NFL will host a showcase for the second year in a row of the nation’s top girls high school flag football athletes. Thirty-two seniors from high schools across the country, nominated by NFL clubs and selected from teams ranked in the USA TODAY Sports Super 25, will compete in a matchup of the country’s premier flag football talent – mirroring the set-up of this year’s Pro Bowl Games. This event will air live during Postseason NFL Countdown on ESPN, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET, as part of its Pro Bowl Games pregame show, and streamed on the ESPN App, Disney+, SportsCenter Next’s YouTube channel and the NFL’s YouTube channel.
Pro Bowl Games Presented by Verizon
Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 5:00 p.m. PT, Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South — Hall C
For the first time, the 2026 Pro Bowl Games powered by Verizon will move to Super Bowl LX Week in the San Francisco Bay Area. The event brings the league’s top players together for an AFC vs. NFC flag football showdown, which will preview the elite athleticism and competition of the sport ahead of its LA28 Olympics debut. The revamped programming gives the league’s best athletes an opportunity to compete during the NFL’s biggest week of the year, surrounded by their families, friends and select fans, and provides all fans with a must-see TV event that helps culminate the end of the season.
The televised event will air live from the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Super Bowl Experience in San Francisco on Tuesday, Feb. 3, which will be transformed into a dynamic flag football arena. Coverage of the Pro Bowl Games powered by Verizon will begin on ESPN starting at 6:30 p.m. ET with the flag game at 8 p.m. ET. The game will air on ESPN, Disney XD and ESPN Deportes.
Toyota Glow Up Classic
Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. PT, Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South — Hall C
The Toyota Glow Up Classic returns at Super Bowl LX at NFL Flag Fieldhouse where the games future – Females in Flag – will be spotlighted during this first-of-it-kind glow-in-the-dark flag football showdown. The game gathers the Bay Area’s top high school female athletes in a unique competition under UV lights and in glowing jerseys and gear in a one-of-a-kind spectacle. Team Toyota athletes will serve as mentors with Eli Manning, Brock Purdy, Christian Gonzales, Puka Nacua, Michael Pittman, Kyle Hamilton, and Jordan Love currently scheduled to appear. The second annual event is open to fans with Super Bowl Experience tickets. Toyota will also leave a lasting legacy after Super Bowl LX ends by supporting the installation of lighting at the Townsend Busher Field renovation project in Santa Clara.
USA vs. Mexico Flag Football Showcase Presented by Toyota
Thursday, Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. PT, Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South — Hall C
Fans will get an up-close look at flag football’s fast-paced, creative, and dynamic style when North America’s top athletes face off in an exhibition match. The USA Men’s National Flag Football Team will take on Mexico’s Men’s National Team, marking their first meeting since 2023. Both programs are reigning IFAF Americas Continental Co-Champions and will showcase the sport ahead of its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028. Selected, trained and led by USA Football, the USA Men’s National Flag Football team and star quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette III sit atop the IFAF World Rankings, while Mexico ranks third, setting the stage for an epic clash between two of the sport’s best teams. The game will air live on the NFL’s YouTube channel.
Super Bowl LX Flag Football Game on YouTube
Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. PT, Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South — Hall C
Building on the success of the inaugural Super Bowl LIX Flag Football Game on YouTube, the league is bringing the excitement back to Super Bowl Experience with a flag football showdown at the NFL Flag Football Fieldhouse, on Saturday, Feb. 7, ahead of Super Bowl Sunday. Showcasing the NFL’s commitment to growing flag football globally and connecting with fans worldwide, the flag football game brings together top talent from across sports, music and YouTube, with the action kicking off at 7:00 p.m. PT and streaming live exclusively on YouTube.
Global Flag Ambassadors
Ahead of Super Bowl LX, IFAF and the NFL are excited to introduce its newest cohort of Global Flag Ambassadors. This diverse group of athletes will champion flag football’s growth across domestic and international markets, promoting the sport’s accessibility for all. Leading the charge is Steve Young, Hall of Fame quarterback and San Francisco 49ers icon, whose passion for the game and commitment to youth sports make him an ideal Global Flag Ambassador.
“Being named a Global Flag Ambassador is an honor, especially as the world’s attention turns to the Bay Area during Super Bowl LX,” said NFL Hall of Famer and San Francisco 49ers legend Steve Young. “Flag football represents the future expansion of our sport – fast, inclusive, and accessible, creating unprecedented opportunities for ALL athletes around the world, a game where women and girls are claiming their space. Coaching my daughters’ high school flag football team has shown me how powerful this game can be in shaping confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging. I’m committed to using my voice to help expand flag football globally and ensure the next generation of competitors see a place for themselves in this game.”
Global Flag Ambassadors will play a key role in promoting the game throughout Super Bowl week. Global Flag Ambassador activations include Vanita Krouch, a member of the United States women’s national flag football team, who will serve as a team captain at the NFL Flag Girls High School Showcase and also participated in the Showcase’s selection committee. Global Flag Ambassadors from international markets, such as Diana Flores, Phoebe Schecter, Gabi Bankhardt and Kodie Fuller, will also participate in various league events throughout the week, including Super Bowl Opening Night and the Pro Bowl Games.
This year’s Global Flag Ambassador cohort includes:
- Ashlea Klam, USA Women’s National Team – Ashlea Klam is an international flag football player and member of the United States Women’s National Flag Team, where she was a key member of the 2024 IFAF Women’s Flag Football World Championship team. Ashlea is also a member of the Keiser University flag football team and played on the Texas Fury NFL Flag team. Ashlea will serve as a team captain at the NFL Flag Girls High School Showcase. Ashlea has played flag football since elementary school and serves as an inspiration to young girls who strive to represent their country playing the sport they love.
- Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans – Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. is a major advocate and ambassador for flag football, actively promoting girls flag football participation in Houston and his hometown in Georgia.
- Zaire Franklin, Indianapolis Colts – Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin is a passionate supporter of flag football, helping to expand access to the game in his hometown of Philadelphia and beyond. Last year, Franklin hosted a “Girls’ Flag Football Jamboree” at his alma mater and consistently participates in NFL Flag-in-School events throughout Indianapolis.
Flag football is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with 20 million players worldwide, and will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028. Recently, NFL clubs voted to support financially the development and launch of a professional flag football league. In addition, the NCAA recently approved the addition of flag football to the Emerging Sports for Women program, an important step in establishing flag as a varsity women’s sport across the NCAA. Flag football is now offered for girls at the high school level in 38 states, and over 100 colleges and universities have women’s flag football programs.
South Florida News
Uruguay, Saudi Arabia Play to 1-1 Tie as World Cup Atmosphere Electrifies Miami Gardens
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 16, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Hard Rock Stadium felt more like Montevideo than South Florida on Monday as tens of thousands of Uruguayan supporters packed the venue for Uruguay’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
A crowd of 62,764 fans created a vibrant international atmosphere, with Uruguay supporters draped in giant blue-and-white flags and chanting “U-ru-guay! U-ru-guay!” throughout the match. Despite the passionate backing, Uruguay was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.
The stadium was awash in light blue as Uruguayan fans filled much of the venue, transforming Miami Gardens into a home-away-from-home for La Celeste. Meanwhile, a spirited contingent of Saudi supporters occupied sections of the south stands, waving green flags and providing energetic support for their national team.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
WORLD CUP ATMOSPHERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA
The match showcased South Florida’s growing reputation as an international soccer destination, drawing fans from across the globe and creating a World Cup-like environment inside Hard Rock Stadium.
Both teams battled evenly throughout the contest, with neither side able to find a decisive breakthrough. The result leaves Uruguay and Saudi Arabia with a point apiece as they continue their tournament campaigns.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
FANS DELIVER MEMORABLE SCENE
While the match ended in a draw, the atmosphere was among the day’s biggest highlights. The sea of blue-and-white and the nonstop chants from Uruguay supporters were matched by the enthusiasm of Saudi fans, producing a memorable international soccer showcase in Miami Gardens.
Sports
Orlando Storm Quarterback Jack Plummer Named 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The United Football League has named Orlando Storm quarterback Jack Plummer the 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player after a record-setting regular season that helped lead the franchise to the league’s best record.
Plummer becomes the third quarterback to earn the UFL’s highest individual honor, following Bryce Perkins of the Michigan Panthers in 2025 and Adrian Martinez of the Birmingham Stallions in 2024.
The award was selected by a panel of league and team executives, coaches, players, media members and broadcast partners based on performances during the recently completed 10-game regular season.
Plummer Credits Team, Coaches
“It is an incredible honor to be named the 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player,” Plummer said. “While my name may be on this award, it truly belongs to so many people who have helped me along this journey.”
Plummer thanked his teammates and coaching staff, specifically Orlando Storm head coach Anthony Becht, for helping him reach the milestone.
“I also want to extend a special thank you to Coach Becht,” Plummer said. “His leadership, trust and belief in me have had a tremendous impact on my development as a player and as a person.”
Dominant Season Under Center
In the Storm’s inaugural season, Plummer guided Orlando to an 8-2 record and the No. 1 seed entering the postseason.
He led the UFL in passing yards (2,188), completions (195) and quarterback rating (104.1) while throwing 17 touchdown passes. Plummer completed 65% of his passes and threw just one interception all season.
The Storm offense led the league with an average of 208.3 passing yards per game.
“Jack personifies exactly what an elite UFL quarterback should look like,” Becht said. “His leadership, his ability to process information and make plays at any moment made him the most valuable player in the UFL.”
Historic Numbers and Signature Moments
Plummer scored or accounted for a touchdown in every game this season and threw at least one touchdown pass in nine of Orlando’s 10 regular-season contests.
He completed 75% or more of his passes in three games and recorded three-touchdown performances in victories against the Louisville Kings and D.C. Defenders.
Among his most impressive accomplishments was setting a UFL record with 255 consecutive pass attempts without throwing an interception.
Plummer also earned UFL Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 8 after leading Orlando to a 34-21 victory over the Dallas Renegades that clinched a playoff berth.
In that game, he threw for 238 yards and rushed for two touchdowns, including a spectacular 71-yard touchdown run that remains the longest rushing play by a quarterback in the UFL this season.
Storm Set for Playoff Run
With Plummer leading the offense, Orlando enters the playoffs as the league’s top seed and one of the favorites to compete for the 2026 UFL Championship.
Sports
USMNT Opens FIFA World Cup 2026 With Historic 4-1 Victory Over Paraguay
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
LOS ANGELES (FNN SPORTS) — The U.S. Men’s National Team opened its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Paraguay 4-1 before a crowd of 70,492 at Los Angeles Stadium.
Forward Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half, while midfielder Gio Reyna added a late goal as the United States collected three points in its Group D opener and moved to the top of the standings.
The crowd was the seventh-largest ever to watch the USMNT in a FIFA World Cup match and the largest since the 1994 World Cup. The four-goal performance also marked the highest-scoring World Cup match in U.S. men’s national team history.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
The match began at a frantic pace, with both teams creating scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. Paraguay tested goalkeeper Matt Freese less than two minutes into his World Cup debut, but the Americans responded immediately.
The United States opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla redirected a pass into his own net following a dangerous attacking sequence involving Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.
The Americans continued to control possession and create chances, eventually doubling their lead in the 31st minute.
Balogun Makes World Cup History
Pulisic delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Balogun finished clinically into the lower-right corner for his first FIFA World Cup goal.
Balogun struck again in first-half stoppage time after receiving a long pass from Malik Tillman. The striker fought through a challenge, beat another defender and curled a left-footed shot into the upper-left corner to give the United States a commanding 3-0 halftime lead.
The brace made Balogun the first American player to score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930.
Defense Holds Strong
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino made one lineup change from the team’s final World Cup send-off match against Germany, inserting center back Chris Richards after his recovery from an ankle injury.
Richards anchored a defense that included veteran captain Tim Ream and World Cup debutants Alex Freeman and Matt Freese. The U.S. limited Paraguay to just one shot on target throughout the match.
Paraguay’s lone goal came in the 73rd minute when Mauricio capitalized on a loose ball following a free-kick sequence to cut the deficit to 3-1.
Reyna Finishes the Job
The Americans continued pressing for a fourth goal deep into stoppage time. In the eighth minute of added time, substitute Gio Reyna received a pass from Alex Freeman, turned toward goal and curled a brilliant shot into the left side of the net to seal the 4-1 victory.
The United States outshot Paraguay 16-9 and dominated much of the match while allowing only one shot on goal.
Group D Standings
With the victory, the United States temporarily sits atop Group D. Australia and Türkiye were scheduled to play later in the day at BC Place in Vancouver.
The Americans continue group play on June 19 in Seattle against Australia before returning to Los Angeles on June 25 to face Türkiye in the final Group D match.
Goal Scorers
- 7′ — Own Goal (Damián Bobadilla), USA leads 1-0
- 31′ — Folarin Balogun (Christian Pulisic), USA leads 2-0
- 45’+ — Folarin Balogun (Malik Tillman), USA leads 3-0
- 73′ — Mauricio (Julio Enciso), Paraguay cuts deficit to 3-1
- 90+8′ — Gio Reyna (Alex Freeman), USA wins 4-1
