The dream of competing at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles is beginning to feel tangible for the Israel men’s national flag football team, which this summer will compete for one of only three qualifying spots available at the 2026 IFAF World Championship in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Flag football’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics has transformed the sport’s international landscape, and Israel has emerged as one of the countries hoping to establish itself among the game’s elite. Sixteen nations secured places in the world championship tournament, which will serve as the first Olympic qualifier in the sport’s history, and Team Israel enters the competition believing it has the talent and preparation necessary to contend for a coveted Olympic berth.
Since 2023, Israel has compiled a 17-4 record in international competition, building a reputation as one of the stronger programs on the European circuit. Much of that progress has been credited to the structure and preparation implemented by head coach Jonathan Tekac, who has overseen the development of a squad aiming to prove it belongs on the Olympic stage.
The road to Düsseldorf has required months of preparation and organization. Despite the ongoing war with Iran and Hezbollah, the national team has continued to hold regular practices, training camps, and scouting sessions in an effort to assemble the strongest possible roster. Open tryouts were conducted both for Israeli athletes and members of the Jewish diaspora, with the top players selected to participate in an intensive summer training schedule.
Israel’s unique setup has allowed the program to maximize the proximity of many of its athletes, creating consistent opportunities for weekly practices and monthly training camps designed to elevate the team to an Olympic level. Coaches and players have emphasized the importance of continuity and repetition as the team prepares for the most significant tournament in its history.
Before heading to Germany in August, Israel is also competing in the Copenhagen Bowl in Denmark from May 23-25, one of Europe’s premier flag football tournaments. The event is viewed as the team’s final major test against high-level international opposition ahead of the world championship and Olympic qualifier.
Participation in these tournaments, however, comes with considerable financial demands. The program must cover flights, accommodations, kosher meals, and logistical expenses for players and staff traveling across Europe throughout the summer. To help offset those costs, the team has launched a fundraising campaign to raise $100,000 by July 1.
Funds to support team in Copenhagen Bowl, IFAF World Championship
According to the campaign, the funds will directly support the national team’s participation in both the Copenhagen Bowl and the IFAF World Championship, scheduled for August 13-16 in Düsseldorf. Team officials say the financial support is essential to ensuring Israel can properly prepare for Olympic qualification and compete under the best possible conditions.
The campaign also frames the team’s pursuit as something larger than sport, describing the Olympic quest as an opportunity to inspire Jewish athletes worldwide through perseverance and unity during a difficult period for Israel.
“The opportunity for Team Israel to cement our spot in flag football history is now,” the campaign states. “The training regimen for this summer is crucial to achieving our goal: qualifying for the 2028 Olympics.”
Only three spots left
With only three Olympic spots available and the level of international competition continuing to rise, Israel understands the challenge ahead will be formidable. Still, the team believes its recent success, rigorous preparation, and growing international experience have positioned it to compete with the world’s best.
The culmination of those efforts will come in Düsseldorf this August, when a 12-man Israeli roster takes the field carrying the hopes of becoming one of the first flag football teams ever to qualify for the Olympic Games.
For more information on how to get involved in Team Israel’s Olympic qualifying campaign, please visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-israels-flag-football-team-qualify-for-the-olympics