From Local League to Team USA: 48 Athletes Head to the 2026 Junior International Cup
48 athletes from 25+ states made Team USA's 2026 Junior flag football squads. Their path to LA started in local leagues.
Every elite journey starts somewhere — and for 48 young athletes heading to Los Angeles this week, it started on a local flag football field.
Team USA's flag football national teams are locked in. On Wednesday, June 17, the fifth annual Junior International Cup kicks off at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles — home of the LA Galaxy — and four U.S. squads are ready to compete on the world stage.
How These Athletes Earned Their Spot
USA Football's selection process was no formality. Athletes from across the country converged on the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in California for an intensive four-day camp (April 16–19) to compete for limited roster spots.
The final cut: 48 athletes — 12 per team across four divisions — plus designated alternates. The squads represent more than 25 states and span four age and gender groups:
▸ 15U Boys' National Team
▸ 15U Girls' National Team
▸ 17U Boys' National Team
▸ 17U Girls' National Team
"The competition at training camp was fantastic, and our coaches did a great job getting the best out of our teams," said Callie Brownson, USA Football's Senior Director.
What Happens in LA This Week
The Junior International Cup pits the U.S. against seven national programs from around the globe:
▸ Australia ▸ Canada ▸ Japan ▸ Mexico
▸ New Zealand ▸ Panama ▸ South Korea
Practices run June 17–18, with games June 19–21 and an awards ceremony closing out the week. Every contest is played in Olympic-style 5-on-5 flag football — the same format set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. For these athletes, this is not just a tournament; it is a preview of the sport's biggest stage.
What This Means for Your League and Your Athlete
The path these 48 athletes walked — from local games to a national team training camp to international competition — is the clearest proof yet that youth flag football development pathways are real and growing fast.
Youth sports organizers: the work you do in local parks and rec centers feeds this pipeline. Every well-run league, every quality coaching rep, every season of structured competition matters. If you are looking to build or grow a program, use our league finder to connect with established organizations in your area.
Parents and young athletes: now is the time to compete. Browse upcoming tournaments near you and find the level of competition that will challenge your athlete to grow. The national team pathway is open — and it starts with finding the right league.
Follow Team USA This Week
The Junior International Cup runs June 17–21 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles. For schedules, rosters, and full event details, visit USA Football's official event page.
Cheer on Team USA this week — then ask yourself what you are going to do to help your young athlete take their next step. Find a league near you and get started today.