The 2026 Tampa World Championships, hosted by iFlag, are officially loading up to be the biggest, most electric flag football event on the planet — and yes, we’re saying that confidently, because Tampa already made history.
Last year, right here in Tampa, iFlag broke the Guinness World Record for the largest flag football tournament ever held. Not “one of the biggest.”
The biggest. In the world.
And instead of taking a victory lap and slowing things down… we decided to hit the gas.
From World Record to World-Class (Again)
In 2026, Tampa is raising the bar again with:
- 1,287 total teams
- 958 adult teams
- 329 youth teams
- Teams from 47 U.S. states + Puerto Rico
- 172 international teams (40% increase from 2025)
- 16 international countries represented
That’s not just growth — that’s global momentum.
From first-time youth teams stepping onto a world stage, to elite adult programs chasing titles, rankings, and bragging rights, this is where the entire flag football ecosystem comes together.
The World Is Coming to Tampa
International participation continues to surge, with teams traveling in from across:
- Mexico
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Brazil
- Japan
- China
- Venezuela
- Bahamas
- and more
This isn’t an “international add-on.”
This is fully integrated world championship competition, where everyone plays under the same formats, rules, and pressure.
Tampa has become the ultimate proving ground — and the world knows it.
Officiating That Matches the Moment
Here’s something most tournaments can’t say:
The officiating crew at Tampa is more globally diverse than the teams.
In 2026, we’ll have:
- 168 total officials
- Officials from 21 countries
- Officials from 28 U.S. states
- Nearly 30% traveling internationally
That level of diversity and experience brings consistency, credibility, and fairness — and it’s a huge reason Tampa feels less like a tournament and more like a true world championship.
National Broadcast Coverage Is Coming
And yes… this year, Tampa goes even bigger.
We’re excited to announce that CBS Sports will be providing three hours of broadcast coverage from the Tampa World Championships, airing at a later date.
Even better, Ashley Docking of Toronto Sports Network will be on-site serving as sideline reporter, bringing fans inside the action and helping tell the stories of the athletes competing on the world’s biggest flag football stage.
This is a massive step for the sport — and for the athletes who deserve this level of exposure.
Thank You, Tampa
None of this happens without incredible partners, and we want to give a huge thank you to the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.
Their continued support in bringing this event to the region — and helping grow it into a world-record-setting, globally recognized championship — has been absolutely instrumental. Tampa doesn’t just host this event… Tampa helps define it.
Powered by an Incredible Lineup of Sponsors
We’re also beyond grateful for the partners who help fuel this event from top to bottom. The 2026 Tampa World Championships are proudly supported by:
- BodyArmor
- Gameplan Skin Care
- Optimum Nutrition
- Highlight Factory
- Kane Footwear
- Shruumz
- Massov
- Caisson
- Jersey Vault
- Caddix
- Sunset Produce
- Dave & Busters
- League Suite
- Guardian Caps
- iTitans Digital
- TRZ Recovery
- Bold Creations
- Armilla Tech
- Riddell Sports
- Break Away Data
- Los Reyes
- Infinite Flag
- Photo Mules
- Thrive Hydration
- Edge Sports
- Team Mealz
- Skunk Skin
From hydration and recovery to gear, media, nutrition, technology, and athlete support — these partners help make Tampa not just the biggest event in flag football, but one of the best-run and best-supported.
Why Tampa Just Hits Different
Perfect January weather.
Non-stop action.
Elite competition.
Global energy.
And now — national broadcast coverage.
Once the first whistle blows, Tampa becomes a week-long celebration of flag football at its highest level.
History Was Made Here. Now We Build on It.
Last year, Tampa broke a Guinness World Record.
This year, it becomes even bigger, louder, and more global.
Thank you to our athletes, coaches, officials, sponsors, partners, and the city of Tampa for making this possible.
The world is coming back to Tampa.
And we can’t wait.
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