Flag Football Flag Football is a version of American Football, where contact is limited as to end a down a flag must be removed from the ball carrier's flag belt, instead of tackling the player to the ground. There have emerged dozens of variations to the game. So is the standard for the world cup 9-on-9 for men, and 7-on-7 for women. The International Flag Football Federation was founded in 2000, while the International Federation of American Football also oversees Flag Football. World Cup: Men 9-on-9 Defunct Event: Women 7-on-7 IFAF World Championships: Men 5-on-5 Women 5-on-5 Defunct Events: Men 7-on-7 Women 7-on-7 European Championships: Men 5-on-5 Women 5-on-5 Defunct Event: Men 7-on-7