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There was no men’s event at the World Games in China, where there was a repeat of the women’s final from 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama.<\/p>\n
Mexico shocked USA on that occasion by winning 39-6, though the Americans beat Mexico in the past two World Championship finals – in 2021 and 2024.<\/p>\n
And Mexico showed that their 2022 gold was no fluke by clinching a dramatic victory in a game which went right down to the wire.<\/p>\n
Mexico led 14-7 at half-time before USA edged into a 21-20 lead, as they added the extra point after scoring a touchdown with just 28 seconds left on the clock.<\/p>\n
But the defending champions were able to get into position to snatch victory and with just three seconds remaining, quarterback Diana Flores found a wide-open Victoria Chavez in the end zone to spark emotional celebrations among the Mexico players.<\/p>\n
“I’m so proud,” said Flores. “We just played the greatest football here and I’m blessed to be part of it.”<\/p>\n
Pierre Trochet, president of the International Federation of American Football (Ifaf), added: “It’s a thrilling time for flag football.<\/p>\n
“This was simply an amazing tournament – the best ever in our sport’s history – and a huge step forward on the road to Los Angeles 2028.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n