2026 World Juniors: Full Schedule, Canada’s Quest for Gold, and How to Watch
The ice is set in the Twin Cities. As we look ahead to the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, the sting of Canada’s quarterfinal exit in 2024 is a fresh memory for fans, fueling the anticipation for redemption. This 50th edition of the tournament, hosted in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, promises high-stakes hockey from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026. With the United States aiming for a historic three-peat after their 2024 and 2025 victories, the battle for junior hockey supremacy is more intense than ever.
For Canadian fans, the focus is squarely on a new generation of stars looking to reclaim the gold medal on American soil. The tournament serves as a critical showcase for future NHL talent and a pivotal moment for Hockey Canada to reassert its dominance on the international stage. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 World Juniors, from the complete game schedule to where you can catch all the action.
2026 World Junior Championship: Complete Schedule & Venues
All games will be split between two premier Minnesota venues: the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul (home of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild) and the 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. Group A features Canada, Sweden, Finland, Germany, and Latvia, while Group B consists of the United States, Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Denmark. The knockout rounds begin on January 2, 2026.
Key Preliminary Round Games for Canada
| Date | Time (ET) | Matchup | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Dec. 27 | 4:30 p.m. | Latvia vs. Canada | Grand Casino Arena |
| Sun, Dec. 28 | 8:30 p.m. | Canada vs. Germany | Grand Casino Arena |
| Mon, Dec. 30 | 8:30 p.m. | Finland vs. Canada | Grand Casino Arena |
| Wed, Jan. 1 | 8:30 p.m. | Canada vs. Sweden | Grand Casino Arena |
Reflecting on the 2024 Tournament: A Look Back at the Standings
Understanding the road to 2026 requires a glance at the recent past. The 2024 tournament saw a surprising outcome, with Canada failing to medal after a quarterfinal loss. The United States captured gold, showcasing the rising parity in international junior hockey.
2024 IIHF World Junior Championship Final Standings
| Rank | Team | Medal | Key Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | Gold | Defeated Sweden 6-2 |
| 2 | Sweden | Silver | Lost in Gold Medal Game |
| 3 | Czechia | Bronze | Defeated Finland 8-5 |
| 4 | Finland | – | Lost Bronze Medal Game |
| 5 | Canada | – | Lost in Quarterfinals |
How to Watch the 2026 World Juniors in Canada
Canadian fans will not miss a moment of the action. TSN holds the exclusive broadcast rights in Canada, providing comprehensive coverage of all Team Canada games and the majority of the tournament. For streaming, TSN Direct and the TSN app are your go-to options. International viewers and those seeking alternative streams can often find games on the IIHF’s official streaming platform, though geo-restrictions may apply.
Broadcast Details at a Glance
| Region | Primary TV Channel | Live Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | TSN | TSN Direct, TSN App |
| United States | NHL Network | FuboTV, ESPN+ |
| International | Varies by country | IIHF Official Stream |
Canada’s Path Forward: Building for 2026 and Beyond
The 2026 World Juniors is more than just a tournament; it’s a cornerstone event for Hockey Canada’s future. While the senior men’s team focuses on the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, the junior program is tasked with developing the next wave of stars like Connor Bedard before him. The selection camp for the 2026 team will be closely watched, as management looks to blend skill, speed, and the resilience that was tested in the previous tournament. Success in Minnesota would not only bring home a gold medal but also restore a powerful sense of momentum for Canadian hockey on the world’s biggest junior stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the 2026 World Juniors being held?
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, USA. Games will be split between the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul and the 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026.
What channel are the World Juniors on in Canada?
In Canada, all World Junior games are broadcast exclusively on TSN. You can also stream every game live through TSN Direct or via the TSN mobile app.
Who won the 2024 World Juniors?
The United States won the gold medal at the 2024 World Junior Championship, defeating Sweden 6-2 in the final. Czechia won the bronze medal, while Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinals.
When does Team Canada play its first game in 2026?
Team Canada’s first game of the 2026 tournament is scheduled for Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET against Latvia at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota.