Canada set to defend title in second annual Gridiron Nations Championship

By Canadian Press on March 2, 2026.

VANCOUVER — The Gridiron Nations Championship is returning in 2026.

The senior men’s international tackle football event will be held Dec. 12-19 in Panama City. Canada, Mexico and Panama have confirmed their participation.

Canada won the inaugural GNC event last November. The national team defeated Italy 20-17 and Germany 25-10 in Europe to secure the title.

“We’re excited to see the GNC return and to compete for a championship in Panama City,” said Jesse Maddox, Canada’s head coach and general manager. “Last year, our players embraced the challenge of spending the entire GNC on the road in Europe, and they delivered against quality opposition in Italy and Germany.

“We also saw the level with Mexico in December, and that overtime game in Mexico City (41-34 Mexico win) showed exactly what international tackle football can be. This time, the games count toward a title, raising the standard for everyone. This is an important next step in building an annual platform for international tackle football.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 2, 2026.

The Canadian Press