The road to the 2026 NFL FLAG Championships begins this Sunday, October 12th, as the first of 32 regional tournaments on the expanded NFL FLAG circuit kicks off. The season opener is the highly anticipated Cincinnati Bengals Super Regional Tournament, a massive event welcoming elite flag football teams from all over the country to the Kettering Health Bengals Practice Facility in Cincinnati, Ohio.
This “Super Regional” designation means that any team regardless of regional affiliation can join, drawing top talent eager to punch one of the coveted tickets to next year’s championships in Canton. In total, eight teams will secure a bid to the prestigious NFL FLAG Championships this weekend by claiming victory in their respective divisions.
Small Field, Stacked Competition!
Among the fierce competition, the Great Lakes Flag Football League Stealth organization is making its presence felt, fielding a total of six teams across the competitive (non-Recreational) divisions.
All eyes will be on the 10U division, where the reigning 8U Champions, the Toledo Dirty Birdz, have aged up and now face their first challenge in a new age group. With a target on their backs, their lone squad in this tournament will look to immediately defend their championship pedigree.
Video: Scott Schultz – Toledo Dirty Birdz
The girls’ side of the tournament promises high-stakes action, featuring several powerhouse teams. Spectators will see the skill and determination of teams like the Conquer Chargers, Athena Warriors Select, KC Heat, and the Ladies of Steel, who are spread across the female divisions, each battling for a championship bid.
What is it all Worth?
Securing a qualification this early in the season is a major advantage for any team. A win this weekend grants the team the rest of the year to fine-tune their strategy and prepare for the national stage. The trade-off, however, is a clear one: once a team qualifies, they cannot join another regional tournament for the remainder of the season, cementing their spot and turning their focus entirely to the Championships.
For those who do not manage to qualify this weekend, there is no need to panic. This tournament is just the beginning. There are 13 more regional tournaments remaining on the Fall 2025 schedule alone, offering plenty of opportunities for teams to earn their spot in the biggest youth flag football event of the year. The action starts bright and early this Sunday—the championship chase is officially on!
Games are scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM EST Sunday, October 12.
