While the NFL enters the lull period of the offseason, the International Federation of American Football is potentially here to steal the show.
Teams representing countries from around the world are competing to qualify for the U20 Word Championships final. But the USA got off to a rough start after losing to Japan on Wednesday.
What Is The International Federation of American Football?
As the IFAF is the talk of social media following the USA’s shocking loss to Japan, many are unsure what is actually going on.
The International Federation of American Football is the international governing body of American football associations.
The IFAF is essentially in charge of overseeing the organization of all international competitions, including both contact and non-contact versions of American football. The biggest event that the federation oversees is the IFAF World Championship of American Football.
That is the event that Japan qualified for by defeating the USA on Wednesday. The major event is held every four years, and countries compete to earn their spot among the best.
Given the USA’s dominance of American football as a sport, there are significant restrictions in place to limit their ability to construct a team. Despite the limitations, the USA won three consecutive titles in the event.
Analyzing Japan’s Dominant 41–20 Win Over USA
Japan got off to quite a start against USA on Wednesday. It was a dominant performance from beginning to end, as Japan held a 20-0 lead after just one quarter. Despite USA’s success against Japan in the past, it’s clear that wasn’t the case this time around.
While the USA attempted to fight back in the second half, it just wasn’t enough to overcome the massive lead Japan had already built.
USA was able to make it a two-possession game with 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late.
Team USA 🇺🇸 fighting to come back on the scoreboard!
📍4th quarter
🏈 USA 🇺🇸 20 – 34 🇯🇵 Japan
U20 World Championahips live on https://t.co/iSWBglTauO pic.twitter.com/TJQtkx3jLF— Int’l Fed of American Football (@IFAFMedia) June 26, 2024
Japan has won the IFAF World Championship of American Football before, and it seems like this year’s roster certainly has the potential to do so once again. Japan dominated the USA from start to finish, winning by a final score of 41-20.
Now, Japan will be tasked with trying to defeat the back-to-back reigning champions, Canada. After defeating Austria by a final score of 27-20, Canada and Japan are set to battle for the title at Commonwealth Stadium on Sunday.
Notable Alumni That Played for the U.S. Men’s U20 Tackle National Team
Although the US Men’s U20 Tackle National Team came up short against Japan on Wednesday, several notable players have suited up for the team in recent years. In fact, several current NFL players spent time with the team before making their names in the big league.
Among the current NFL players that have worn the red, white and blue include Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman served as a wide receiver for the team as well.
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The biggest star to suit up for the US Men’s U20 Tackle National Team is likely Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. Prior to developing into one of the best running backs in the NFL, Taylor was representing the United States of America on the gridiron.
There have been a few notable defensive players who played for the USA before heading to the NFL, too, including a pair of New Orleans Saints in Tyrann Mathieu and Chase Young.
It’s clear that the program has helped develop talent over the years and should continue to do so in the future as well.
