As was the case at the 2022 World Games and the 2024 World Championships, the Austrian women's national team had to settle for an unfortunate fourth place at this year's World Games in Chengdu. Once again, the medal remained just out of reach – but the Austrian team's performance was impressive nonetheless.
The tournament began nervously for quarterback Saskia Stribrny's team against host China. Although they managed to secure a mandatory victory, the game revealed coordination problems, especially in defense. The team presented a completely different picture in their second group game against top favorites USA. With a courageous performance, the team kept pace until halftime – impressive proof of their potential. In the second half, however, the class of the US team prevailed and Austria had to admit defeat.
The Austrians also showed strength in their final group game against Canada, but were once again narrowly defeated. Third place in the group meant a difficult but not impossible quarterfinal match against reigning European champions Great Britain. In a high-class game, Austria defeated the British 40-28 – an important victory, also in terms of their position as one of Europe's top teams.
The semi-final brought a reunion with the USA. And once again, Austria surprised everyone with a strong start – a two-touchdown lead briefly gave them hope of reaching the final. But in a dramatic final phase, the US team scored a touchdown to take a 46:39 lead. The Austrians' last drive ended just one meter short of the end zone – after a controversial referee decision.
Coach Robert Riedl was disappointed but proud after the game: “My team played extremely well. In my opinion, our touchdown should have counted shortly before the end, but it is what it is. We are now fully focused on the game for third place against Canada.”
But in the small final against Canada, the momentum was gone. After an evenly matched first half, the Austrian offense stalled – another touchdown failed to materialize, and the medal was out of reach.
The gold medal ultimately went to Mexico in a thrilling final – led by star quarterback Diana Flores – who prevailed against the USA.
Despite missing out on a podium finish, one thing remains clear: Austria's women's flag football team is among the best in the world. Coach Riedl has succeeded in forming a team that can compete at the highest level with a mix of experienced leaders and young talent. The focus is now on the big goal: the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where flag football will be part of the program for the first time.
But there is still work to be done before then: Why has the team never quite managed to take that final step at major tournaments? Is it a lack of luck? A lack of composure in decisive moments? Or is it that the team doesn't (yet!) believe it can achieve greatness?
The team will have to find answers to these questions soon, because the next big challenge is already waiting. The European Championship in France in September will determine qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Germany. Only the top six nations will secure a ticket – a first milestone on the road to Los Angeles that both the women's and men's teams are determined to reach.
