2026 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Tournament details | |
|---|---|
| Host country | |
| Cities | Minneapolis Saint Paul |
| Venue(s) | Grand Casino Arena 3M Arena at Mariucci |
| Dates | December 26, 2025 – January 5, 2026 |
| Teams | 10 |
| Final positions | |
| Champions | |
| Runners-up | |
| Third place | |
| Fourth place | |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Games played | 29 |
| Goals scored | 221 (7.62 per game) |
| Attendance | 184,708 (6,369 per game) |
| Scoring leader | |
| Awards | |
| MVP | |
| Official website | |
| www.iihf.com | |
The 2026 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships (2026 WJC) was the 50th Ice Hockey World Junior Championships, held from December 26, 2025 to January 5, 2026. Sweden won their third championship (first since 2012), defeating Czechia 4–2 in the gold medal game.[1]
Background
The tournament returned to Minneapolis–Saint Paul after being previously co-hosted there in 1982. This was the seventh time that the United States hosted the WJC and first time since 2018.[2][3]
Venues
The tournament games were played at two arenas:[4][5][6]
- Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, and
- 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis.
| Saint Paul | Minneapolis | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Casino Arena Capacity: 17,954 |
3M Arena at Mariucci Capacity: 10,257 | ||
Qualified teams
Ten teams took part in the competition. Denmark returned for the first time since 2019, replacing Kazakhstan who were relegated back to Division I, Group A, after finishing last in 2025.
| Team | Qualification method | Appearance(s)[a] | Previous best performance[b] | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | First | Last | Streak | |||
| First in 2025 | 50th | 1977 | 2025 | 50 | Champions (2004, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2021, 2024, 2025) | |
| Second in 2025 | 50th | 50 | Champions (1987, 1998, 2014, 2016, 2019) | |||
| Third in 2025 | 50th | 50 | Champions (2000, 2001) | |||
| Fourth in 2025 | 50th | 50 | Champions (1981, 2012) | |||
| Fifth in 2025 | 50th | 50 | Champions (Twenty times)[c] | |||
| Sixth in 2025 | 31st | 1996 | 31 | Third place (1999, 2015) | ||
| Seventh in 2025 | 11th | 2006 | 5 | Seventh place (2022, 2025) | ||
| Eighth in 2025 | 39th | 1978 | 17 | Third place (1998) | ||
| Ninth in 2025 | 32nd | 1977 | 7 | Fifth place (1981) | ||
| Champions of Division I A | 8th | 2008 | 2019 | 1 | Fifth place (2017) | |
Match officials
The following officials were assigned by the IIHF to officiate the 2026 World Junior Championships.[7][8]
Referees
Linesmen
Rosters
To be eligible as a junior player, a player couldn't be born earlier than 2006. A maximum of 22 skaters and 3 goalkeepers could be named to a roster, with a maximum of 20 skaters and 2 goalkeepers dressing each game.
Preliminary round
Seeding
|
|
| Tie-breaking criteria[10][11] |
|---|
The ranking of teams in the group stage was determined as follows:
|
All times are local, CST (UTC−6).
Group A
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | OTW | OTL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 8 | +13 | 12 | Quarterfinals | |
| 2 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 15 | +2 | 9 | ||
| 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 8 | +2 | 6 | ||
| 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 3 | ||
| 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 22 | −17 | 0 | Relegation round |
| December 26, 2025 12:00pm | Sweden | 3–2 (0–0, 2–1, 1–1) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 5,125 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Love Härenstam | Goalies | Alan Lendák | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
| 10 min | Penalties | 8 min | |||||||||||||||
| 32 | Shots | 25 | |||||||||||||||
| December 26, 2025 5:00pm | Germany | 3–6 (1–3, 2–3, 0–0) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 14,276 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lennart Neisse | Goalies | Caleb Heil | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 min | Penalties | 6 min | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 21 | Shots | 47 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 27, 2025 1:00pm | Slovakia | 4–1 (2–0, 1–0, 1–1) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 3,702 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michal Prádel | Goalies | Linus Veillard | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
| 4 min | Penalties | 14 min | |||||||||||||||
| 38 | Shots | 35 | |||||||||||||||
| December 27, 2025 5:00pm | United States | 2–1 (0–0, 2–1, 0–0) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 13,984 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholas Kempf | Goalies | Christian Kirsch | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||
| |||||||||||
| 4 min | Penalties | 6 min | |||||||||
| 20 | Shots | 17 | |||||||||
| December 28, 2025 1:00pm | Sweden | 4–2 (1–1, 0–1, 3–0) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 4,825 |
| Game reference | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Love Härenstam | Goalies | Elijah Neuenschwander | Referees: Linesmen: | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 min | Penalties | 10 min | ||||||||||||||||||
| 30 | Shots | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||
| December 29, 2025 12:00pm | Germany | 1–8 (1–1, 0–4, 0–3) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 4,122 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linus Veillard Lukas Stuhrmann | Goalies | Herman Liv | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 min | Penalties | 6 min | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17 | Shots | 44 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 29, 2025 5:00pm | Slovakia | 5–6 (2–0, 2–4, 1–2) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 13,052 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michal Prádel | Goalies | Caleb Heil | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 min | Penalties | 8 min | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31 | Shots | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 30, 2025 1:00pm | Switzerland | 4–0 (2–0, 2–0, 0–0) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 3,805 |
| Game reference | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Kirsch | Goalies | Lennart Neisse | Referees: Linesmen: | |||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
| 8 min | Penalties | 12 min | ||||||||||||
| 48 | Shots | 20 | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 12:00pm | Switzerland | 3–2 (2–0, 1–0, 0–2) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 3,864 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elijah Neuenschwander | Goalies | Michal Prádel | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
| 4 min | Penalties | 8 min | |||||||||||||||
| 18 | Shots | 22 | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 5:00pm | United States | 3–6 (0–1, 2–4, 1–1) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 18,618 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brady Knowling Nick Kempf | Goalies | Love Härenstam | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8 min | Penalties | 12 min | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31 | Shots | 43 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Group B
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | OTW | OTL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 11 | +14 | 11 | Quarterfinals | |
| 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 12 | +6 | 8 | ||
| 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 11 | +8 | 7 | ||
| 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 17 | −8 | 4 | ||
| 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 28 | −20 | 0 | Relegation round |
| December 26, 2025 2:30pm | Denmark | 2–6 (1–3, 0–3, 1–0) | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis Attendance: 2,935 |
| Game reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anton Wilde | Goalies | Petteri Rimpinen | Referees: Linesmen: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 min | Penalties | 6 min | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 | Shots | 43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 26, 2025 7:30pm | Czechia | 5–7 (1–2, 2–1, 2–4) | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis Attendance: 5,502 |
| Game reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michal Orsulák | Goalies | Carter George | Referees: Linesmen: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 min | Penalties | 6 min | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 33 | Shots | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 27, 2025 3:30pm | Latvia | 1–2 OT (0–0, 0–1, 1–0) (OT: 0–1) | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis Attendance: 4,146 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nils Mauriņš | Goalies | Jack Ivankovic | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||
| |||||||||||
| 29 min | Penalties | 6 min | |||||||||
| 27 | Shots | 38 | |||||||||
| December 27, 2025 7:30pm | Denmark | 2–7 (1–2, 1–3, 0–2) | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis Attendance: 3,067 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anton Wilde | Goalies | Matyáš Mařík | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 35 min | Penalties | 6 min | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 22 | Shots | 53 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 28, 2025 3:30pm | Finland | 8–0 (3–0, 2–0, 3–0) | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis Attendance: 3,152 |
| Game reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petteri Rimpinen | Goalies | Mikus Vecvanags | Referees: Linesmen: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 min | Penalties | 6 min | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 41 | Shots | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 29, 2025 2:30pm | Finland | 1–2 OT (0–1, 0–0, 1–0) (OT: 0–1) | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis Attendance: 3,235 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petteri Rimpinen | Goalies | Michal Orsulák | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||
| |||||||||||
| 31 min | Penalties | 10 min | |||||||||
| 24 | Shots | 26 | |||||||||
| December 29, 2025 7:30pm | Canada | 9–1 (3–0, 2–1, 4–0) | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis Attendance: 4,401 |
| Game reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carter George | Goalies | Patrick Tiedjen | Referees: Linesmen: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 min | Penalties | 6 min | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 49 | Shots | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 30, 2025 3:30pm | Latvia | 6–3 (1–0, 3–2, 2–1) | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis Attendance: 2,781 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nils Mauriņš | Goalies | Anton Wilde | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8 min | Penalties | 14 min | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 42 | Shots | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 2:30pm | Czechia | 4–2 (2–1, 1–0, 1–1) | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis Attendance: 3,301 |
| Game reference | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matyáš Mařík | Goalies | Nils Mauriņš Mikus Vecvanags | Referees: Linesmen: | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 min | Penalties | 10 min | ||||||||||||||||||
| 29 | Shots | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 7:30pm | Canada | 7–4 (3–3, 2–1, 2–0) | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis Attendance: 7,582 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carter George | Goalies | Petteri Rimpinen | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 min | Penalties | 8 min | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 32 | Shots | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Relegation round
| January 2, 2026 11:30am | Germany | 8–4 (2–1, 2–2, 4–1) | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis Attendance: 2,645 |
| Game reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linus Vieillard | Goalies | Anton Wilde | Referees: Linesmen: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8 min | Penalties | 10 min | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 37 | Shots | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playoff round
Quarterfinal winners were reseeded for the semifinals in accordance with the following ranking:
- Placement in group
- Points in preliminary round
- Goal differential in preliminary round
- Number of goals scored in preliminary round
- Seeding coming into the tournament
| Rank | Team | Group | Pos | Pts | GD | GF | Seed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 1 | 12 | +13 | 21 | 4 | |
| 2 | B | 1 | 11 | +14 | 25 | 5 | |
| 3 | A | 2 | 9 | +2 | 17 | 1 | |
| 4 | B | 2 | 8 | +6 | 18 | 3 | |
| 5 | B | 3 | 7 | +8 | 19 | 2 | |
| 6 | A | 3 | 6 | +2 | 10 | 8 | |
| 7 | B | 4 | 4 | –8 | 9 | 7 | |
| 8 | A | 4 | 3 | 0 | 13 | 6 |
Bracket
| Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Final | ||||||||
| January 2 – Grand Casino Arena | ||||||||||
1A | 6 | |||||||||
| January 4 – Grand Casino Arena | ||||||||||
4B | 3 | |||||||||
1 | 4 | |||||||||
| January 2 – Grand Casino Arena | ||||||||||
5 | 3 | |||||||||
2A | 3 | |||||||||
| January 5 – Grand Casino Arena | ||||||||||
3B | 4 | |||||||||
| 1 | 4 | |||||||||
| January 2 – 3M Arena | ||||||||||
4 | 2 | |||||||||
1B | 7 | |||||||||
| January 4 – Grand Casino Arena | ||||||||||
4A | 1 | |||||||||
2 | 4 | |||||||||
| January 2 – 3M Arena | ||||||||||
4 | 6 | Third place | ||||||||
2B | 6 | |||||||||
| January 5 – Grand Casino Arena | ||||||||||
3A | 2 | |||||||||
| 2 | 6 | |||||||||
5 | 3 | |||||||||
Quarterfinals
| January 2, 2026 1:00pm | Sweden | 6–3 (2–1, 2–0, 2–2) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 4,946 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Love Härenstam | Goalies | Nils Mauriņš | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 min | Penalties | 6 min | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 38 | Shots | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 2, 2026 3:30pm | Czechia | 6–2 (0–1, 4–1, 2–0) | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis Attendance: 3,102 |
| Game reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michal Orsulák | Goalies | Christian Kirsch | Referees: Linesmen: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8 min | Penalties | 10 min | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 43 | Shots | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 2, 2026 5:00pm | United States | 3–4 OT (0–0, 2–1, 1–2) (OT: 0–1) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 11,779 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholas Kempf | Goalies | Petteri Rimpinen | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 min | Penalties | 6 min | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 31 | Shots | 25 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| January 2, 2026 7:30pm | Canada | 7–1 (5–0, 2–1, 0–0) | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis Attendance: 5,250 |
| Game reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Ivankovic | Goalies | Michal Prádel Alan Lendak | Referees: Linesmen: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 min | Penalties | 32 min | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 43 | Shots | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Semifinals
| January 4, 2026 3:30pm | Sweden | 4–3 GWS (1–1, 2–1, 0–1) (OT: 0–0) (SO: 1–0) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 7,245 |
| Game reference | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Love Härenstam | Goalies | Petteri Rimpinen | Referees: Linesmen: | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| V. Björck Frondell Stenberg Eklund Berglund Frondell Berglund Frondell | Shootout | |||||||||||||||||||
| 10 min | Penalties | 8 min | ||||||||||||||||||
| 33 | Shots | 36 | ||||||||||||||||||
| January 4, 2026 7:30pm | Canada | 4–6 (1–1, 1–2, 2–3) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 7,215 |
| Game reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Ivankovic Carter George | Goalies | Michal Oršulák | Referees: Linesmen: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 min | Penalties | 8 min | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 24 | Shots | 37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bronze medal game
| January 5, 2026 3:30pm | Canada | 6–3 (3–2, 2–1, 1–0) | Finland | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 7,298 |
| Game reference | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carter George | Goalies | Petteri Rimpinen | Referees: Linesmen: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 min | Penalties | 8 min | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 34 | Shots | 35 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gold medal game
| January 5, 2026 7:30pm | Sweden | 4–2 (1–0, 1–0, 2–2) | Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul Attendance: 9,753 |
| Game reference | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Love Härenstam | Goalies | Michal Oršulák | Referees: Linesmen: | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| 8 min | Penalties | 4 min | ||||||||||||||||||
| 35 | Shots | 29 | ||||||||||||||||||
Statistics
As of 2026-01-06 (13:48 GMT), iihf.com has not updated tournament stats to include the gold medal game.
Scoring leaders
| Pos | Player | Country | GP | G | A | Pts | +/− | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Hage | 7 | 2 | 13 | 15 | +7 | 0 | |
| 2 | Gavin McKenna | 7 | 4 | 10 | 14 | +7 | 14 | |
| 3 | Zayne Parekh | 7 | 5 | 8 | 13 | +5 | 10 | |
| 4 | Vojtěch Čihař | 7 | 4 | 8 | 12 | +7 | 2 | |
| 5 | Ivar Stenberg | 7 | 4 | 6 | 10 | +5 | 6 | |
| 6 | Jack Berglund | 7 | 3 | 7 | 10 | +9 | 4 | |
| 7 | Porter Martone | 7 | 6 | 3 | 9 | +4 | 6 | |
| 8 | Viggo Björck | 7 | 3 | 6 | 9 | +5 | 2 | |
| 8 | Tomáš Galvas | 7 | 3 | 6 | 9 | +7 | 0 | |
| 8 | Heikki Ruohonen | 7 | 3 | 6 | 9 | +6 | 4 |
GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus–minus; PIM = Penalties In Minutes
Source 1: IIHF.com (pdf)
Source 2: IIHF.com
Source 3: eliteprospects.com
Goaltending leaders
(minimum 40% team's total ice time)
| Pos | Player | Country | TOI | GA | GAA | SA | Sv% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Ivankovic | 179:43 | 7 | 2.34 | 85 | 91.76 | 0 | |
| 2 | Love Härenstam | 370:00 | 15 | 2.43 | 168 | 91.07 | 0 | |
| 3 | Christian Kirsch | 178:23 | 8 | 2.69 | 83 | 90.36 | 1 | |
| 4 | Elijah Neuenschwander | 119:23 | 5 | 2.51 | 51 | 90.20 | 0 | |
| 5 | Nicholas Kempf | 140:06 | 6 | 2.57 | 57 | 89.47 | 0 |
TOI = Time on ice (minutes:seconds); GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals against average; SA = Shots against; Sv% = Save percentage; SO = Shutouts
Source1: IIHF.com (pdf)
Source2: IIHF.com
Awards
- Best players selected by the directorate:
- Best Goaltender:
Love Härenstam - Best Defenceman:
Adam Jiříček - Best Forward:
Anton Frondell
- Best Goaltender:
- Media All-Stars:
- MVP:
Vojtěch Čihař - Goaltender:
Love Härenstam - Defencemen:
Zayne Parekh /
Tomáš Galvas - Forwards:
Michael Hage /
Anton Frondell /
Vojtěch Čihař
- MVP:
Source:[12]
Final standings
| Pos | Grp | Team | Pld | W | OTW | OTL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Final Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 16 | +19 | 20 | Champions | |
| 2 | B | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 32 | 22 | +10 | 14 | Runners-up | |
| 3 | B | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 42 | 21 | +21 | 17 | Third place | |
| 4 | B | 7 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 29 | 24 | +5 | 10 | Fourth place | |
| 5 | A | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 19 | +1 | 10 | Eliminated in Quarterfinals | |
| 6 | A | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 14 | −2 | 6 | ||
| 7 | B | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 23 | −11 | 4 | ||
| 8 | A | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 14 | 20 | −6 | 3 | ||
| 9 | A | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 13 | 26 | −13 | 3 | Avoided relegation | |
| 10 | B | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 12 | 36 | −24 | 0 | Relegated to the 2027 Division I A |
Division I
Group A
The Division I, Group A tournament was played in Bled, Slovenia between December 7 and 13, 2025.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | OTW | OTL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 11 | +26 | 14 | Promotion to the 2027 Top Division | |
| 2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 27 | 26 | +1 | 9[a] | ||
| 3 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 25 | 18 | +7 | 9[a] | ||
| 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 17 | 26 | −9 | 6[b] | ||
| 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 19 | −7 | 6[b] | ||
| 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 16 | 34 | −18 | 1 | Relegation to the 2027 Division I B |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) result against closest best-ranked team outside tied teams; 6) result against next best-ranked team outside tied teams; 7) seeding before tournament.[13][14]
(H) Host
Notes:
Group B
The Division I, Group B tournament was played in Milan, Italy between December 8 and 14, 2025.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | OTW | OTL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 9 | +9 | 11 | Promotion to the 2027 Division I A | |
| 2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 18 | 14 | +4 | 9[a] | ||
| 3 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 11 | −1 | 9[a] | ||
| 4 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 8 | ||
| 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 16 | −4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 19 | −8 | 3 | Relegation to the 2027 Division II A |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) result against closest best-ranked team outside tied teams; 6) result against next best-ranked team outside tied teams; 7) seeding before tournament.[13][14]
(H) Host
Notes:
Division II
Group A
The Division II, Group A tournament was played in Bucharest, Romania between January 4 and 10, 2026.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | OTW | OTL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 6 | +27 | 15 | Promotion to the 2027 Division I B | |
| 2 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 13 | +2 | 11 | ||
| 3 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 18 | 27 | −9 | 8 | ||
| 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 16 | 19 | −3 | 6 | ||
| 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 15 | 18 | −3 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 25 | −14 | 0 | Relegation to the 2027 Division II B |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) result against closest best-ranked team outside tied teams; 6) result against next best-ranked team outside tied teams; 7) seeding before tournament.[13][14]
(H) Host
Group B
The Division II, Group B tournament was played in Belgrade, Serbia between January 18 and 24, 2026.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | OTW | OTL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 3 | +37 | 15 | Promotion to the 2027 Division II A | |
| 2 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 29 | 21 | +8 | 9 | ||
| 3 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 20 | 18 | +2 | 8 | ||
| 4 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 19 | −5 | 7 | ||
| 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 44 | −33 | 3[a] | ||
| 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 15 | 24 | −9 | 3[a] | Relegation to the 2027 Division III A |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) result against closest best-ranked team outside tied teams; 6) result against next best-ranked team outside tied teams; 7) seeding before tournament.[13][14]
(H) Host
Notes:
Division III
Group A
The Division III, Group A tournament was played in Sofia, Bulgaria between January 19 and 25, 2026.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | OTW | OTL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 14 | +28 | 14 | Promotion to the 2027 Division II B | |
| 2 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 29 | 13 | +16 | 11 | ||
| 3 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 27 | 16 | +11 | 9 | ||
| 4 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 34 | 15 | +19 | 8 | ||
| 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 35 | −24 | 3 | ||
| 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 56 | −50 | 0 | Relegation to the 2027 Division III B |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) result against closest best-ranked team outside tied teams; 6) result against next best-ranked team outside tied teams; 7) seeding before tournament.[13][14]
(H) Host
Group B
The Division III, Group B tournament was played in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan between January 18 and 24, 2026.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | OTW | OTL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 10 | +28 | 15 | Promotion to the 2027 Division III A | |
| 2 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 31 | 11 | +20 | 12 | ||
| 3 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 18 | 15 | +3 | 9 | ||
| 4 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 21 | 15 | +6 | 6 | ||
| 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 25 | −16 | 3 | ||
| 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 47 | −41 | 0 |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head number of goals scored; 5) result against closest best-ranked team outside tied teams; 6) result against next best-ranked team outside tied teams; 7) seeding before tournament.[13][14]
(H) Host
References
- ↑ "IIHF - Tournaments". IIHF International Ice Hockey Federation. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ↑ "USA Hockey Selects Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis to Host 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship". USA Hockey. January 5, 2024. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
- ↑ "IIHF - Host State Information". IIHF International Ice Hockey Federation. Retrieved January 26, 2025.
- ↑ "Minneapolis-St. Paul to host 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship". ESPN.com. January 5, 2024. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
- ↑ "IIHF - Grand Casino Arena". IIHF International Ice Hockey Federation. Retrieved January 26, 2025.
- ↑ "IIHF - 3M Arena at Mariucci". IIHF International Ice Hockey Federation. Retrieved January 26, 2025.
- ↑ "Competition Officials" (PDF). IIHF. Retrieved December 24, 2025.
- ↑ "Game Officials Assignments" (PDF). IIHF. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
- ↑ "Groups Set For 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship". usahockey.com. March 7, 2025.
- ↑ "IIHF Divisions World Championships Event Code" (PDF). IIHF. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
- ↑ "IIHF - Tournament Info 2026 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP". IIHF. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
- ↑ "Cihar named MVP". International Ice Hockey Federation. January 5, 2026. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "IIHF Divisions World Championships Event Code" (PDF). IIHF. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "IIHF - Tournament Info 2026 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP". IIHF. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
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