As flag football continues its rapid rise toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, few events capture the sport's momentum better than the 2026 USA Football Summer Series. Taking place June 17-21 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, the Summer Series brings together more than 1,000 athletes, coaches, and team personnel from across the United States and around the world. Serving mostly as a pipeline for atheltes to get exposure to the USA Football system and possible invites to future USA Football teams as well as the International competition for the Junior National Teams from all over the world.
A Week of Elite Competition
The Summer Series is much more than a single tournament. USA Football has created an event that features multiple competitions and developmental opportunities for athletes of all ages. Here is a look at the events:
Select Bowl
The Select Bowl is a key component of USA Football's National Team Development Program (NTDP). Athletes compete across eight age divisions while earning exposure in front of U.S. National Team scouts. The event provides a pathway for athletes hoping to earn invitations to future National Team Trials.
Event Details:
Orientation & Media Day | June 17
Practices & Skills Challenge | June 17 - 18
Pool Play & Championship Games | June 19 - 20
Award Ceremonies | June 20
Stars & States
One of the most exciting additions to the Summer Series is Stars & States, where athletes represent powerhouse flag football regions including California, Texas, Florida, and New York. For many players, it is an opportunity to showcase their skills against elite competition while representing their hometowns on a national stage and infront of US National Team scouts.
Event Details:
June 19 - 21, 2026
Los Angeles, CA
Event Highlights:
Orientation & Walk-Through | June 19
Practices & Games | June 19 - 21
Award Ceremonies | June 21
Junior International Cup
The Junior International Cup brings global competition to Los Angeles as the United States 15U and 17U Boys' and Girls' National Teams face opponents from around the world. With countries like Australia, Mexico, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Panama, and South Korea, the event highlights how quickly flag football is expanding internationally. This give youth athletes the opportunity to experience international competition on the pathway to the adult national teams. The top three teams will be awarded gold, silver or bronze medals at the conclusion of the championship series on Sunday.
Event detials:
June 17 - 21, 2026
Los Angeles, CA
Event highlighs:
Team Practices | June 17 - 19
Game Schedule | June 19 - 21
Award Ceremonies | June 21
Rivalry Series: USA vs. Canada
One of the marquee events of the week will be the Rivalry Series, featuring exhibition matchups between the U.S. Men's and Women's National Teams and Canada. As two of the world's strongest flag football nations prepare for future international competitions and the Olympics, these games offer fans a chance to watch some of the best players in the world compete in a friendly match.
Women's Game: June 19th 8:30pm EST
Men's Game: June 19th 9:30pm EST
More Than Just Games
The Summer Series also includes a Fan Experience designed to engage athletes, families, and supporters. Activities include interactive exhibits, photo opportunities, trading card creation stations, awards celebrations, meet the national teams and other experiences that bring the flag football community together. The event reflects how flag football has evolved beyond competition into a culture that connects athletes, coaches, officials, families, and fans from around the globe.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the Summer Series is its connection to the future of the sport. As the National Governing Body for American football, USA Football is responsible for selecting and developing the U.S. National Teams that will represent the country in international competition, including flag football's Olympic debut in 2028. The Summer Series serves as both a showcase and a talent identification platform for future national team athletes. USA Football's National Team Development Program provides a structured pathway for athletes, coaches, and officials to advance through the sport. Events like the Select Bowl and Stars & States allow emerging talent to gain exposure while preparing for future opportunities at the highest levels of competition.
Get tickets here to see the action live: https://ticketstripe.com/summerseries26
If you wish to stream any of the games, see full schedule on Zorts Sports and stream live here: https://app.hometeamlive.com/events/20