Your Complete Guide to the 2026 World Juniors Schedule, Teams, and Venues
The holiday season is synonymous with hockey for Canadian fans, and the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship is set to deliver another unforgettable tournament. As the event celebrates its 50th anniversary, the action shifts to the hockey heartland of Minnesota, USA, where Canada will begin its quest to reclaim gold. With the tournament already underway, here is everything you need to know about the schedule, Team Canada, and the host cities.
Running from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026, the 10-nation tournament features 29 games split between Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The stakes are sky-high, with Team USA aiming for a historic three-peat just weeks before the 2026 Winter Olympics. For Canadian fans, all eyes are on a talented roster looking to bring home the nation’s 21st World Juniors championship.
2026 World Juniors Full Schedule: Key Dates and Times
Video Correlato: 2026 World Junior Championship Schedule: 2026 WJC Full Tournament Games Dec 26 – Jan 5, 2026.
The preliminary round began on Boxing Day, leading into the critical knockout stage. All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET), the standard for Canadian broadcasts. The quarter-finals are set for Friday, January 2, 2026.
Knockout Round Schedule (January 2 – 5)
| Date | Time (ET) | Matchup / Event | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 2 | 9:30 a.m. | Quarter-final: Germany vs. Denmark | 3M Arena at Mariucci |
| Fri, Jan 2 | 1:30 p.m. | Quarter-final: TBD vs. TBD | Grand Casino Arena |
| Fri, Jan 2 | 4:30 p.m. | Quarter-final: TBD vs. TBD | Grand Casino Arena |
| Fri, Jan 2 | 8:30 p.m. | Quarter-final: TBD vs. TBD | Grand Casino Arena |
| Sat, Jan 3 | TBD | Relegation Round Games | TBD |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 4:30 p.m. | Semifinal Game 1 | Grand Casino Arena |
| Sun, Jan 4 | 8:30 p.m. | Semifinal Game 2 | Grand Casino Arena |
| Mon, Jan 5 | 8:30 p.m. | Gold Medal Game | Grand Casino Arena |
Team Canada’s Preliminary Round Results
Canada started its tournament strong in Group A. Here’s a look at their early results:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Dec 26 | Czechia | Win (Score TBD) | Grand Casino Arena |
| Sun, Dec 28 | Latvia | Win (Score TBD) | Grand Casino Arena |
| Tue, Dec 31 | Finland | Win (3-0 Record) | Grand Casino Arena |
Team Canada 2026: Roster and Analysis
Hockey Canada has finalized its 25-player roster for the 2026 tournament. The team features a mix of returning talent and high-octane newcomers, though it made headlines for including no players from Quebec for the first time since 1952.
Key Players to Watch
The roster is built for speed and skill, with several players already making waves in the CHL and abroad. Notable names include forwards Tij Iginla and Gavin McKenna, who are expected to lead the offensive charge. In net, the duo of Carter George (Los Angeles Kings prospect) and Jack Ivankovic (Nashville Predators prospect) provides a strong last line of defense.
| Position | Player Name | Hometown | Club Team (League) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forward | Gavin McKenna | Whitehorse, YT | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) |
| Forward | Tij Iginla | Scottsdale, AZ, USA | Kelowna Rockets (WHL) |
| Forward | Carter Bear | Winnipeg, MB | Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) |
| Defence | Ben Danford | Madoc, ON | Oshawa Generals (OHL) |
| Goaltender | Carter George | Thunder Bay, ON | Owen Sound Attack (OHL) |
Host Cities and Venues: Experience Minnesota
The 2026 World Juniors are hosted in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. This marks a return to a traditional hockey market and offers fans a fantastic destination experience.
Tournament Venues
| Venue | Location | Primary Use | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Casino Arena (formerly Xcel Energy Center) | Saint Paul | Main Arena: Group A, Knockout Rounds, Medal Games | ~18,000 |
| 3M Arena at Mariucci | Minneapolis (University of Minnesota) | Secondary Arena: Group B Games | ~10,000 |
Beyond the rinks, fans are encouraged to explore the Bold North Breakaway Fan Festival at Rice Park and the Saint Paul River Centre. The festival features live music, an outdoor hockey rink, autograph sessions, and a vendor market. For a classic hockey pub experience, Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub, located near the Grand Casino Arena, is a must-visit spot laden with memorabilia.
What’s at Stake in 2026?
This tournament is a pivotal preview of future NHL talent and a key benchmark before the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. Team USA, having won the last two championships, is the team to beat. For Canada, the mission is clear: disrupt the American three-peat bid and add a 21st gold medal to the nation’s storied history in this tournament. Every game is a showcase of speed, skill, and national pride, making it can’t-miss viewing during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 World Juniors?
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship is being held from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026, in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. Games are split between Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis.
What channel is broadcasting the World Juniors in Canada?
While official broadcast rights for 2026 are typically announced closer to the event, Canadian fans can historically expect full coverage on TSN and RDS. All games, including Team Canada’s matches, are broadcast live with extensive pre- and post-game analysis.
Who are the favourites to win the 2026 World Juniors?
The United States, as the two-time defending champion, enters as the favourite. Canada, Sweden, and Finland are also considered top contenders. The tournament is highly unpredictable, often decided by goaltending and special teams.
How can I get tickets or follow the games?
Tickets are sold through the official tournament channels and host venue websites. For fans unable to attend, all games are televised in Canada. Live stats, highlights, and news are also available on the IIHF website and through Hockey Canada’s official digital platforms.