Introduction to the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship: If there’s one holiday tradition hockey fans refuse to miss, it’s the World Junior U20 Championship 2025/26 Season. the excitement cranks up another notch. The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship (WJC) officially begins December 26, 2025, bringing elite under-20 talent to St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Ten national teams. One gold medal. Countless moments of drama, heartbreak, and pure hockey magic. From overtime winners to breakout stars, this tournament has a way of turning teenagers into household names overnight.
Why the 2026 World Juniors Are Extra Special
This year isn’t just another edition—it’s the 50th anniversary of the World Junior Championship. That alone adds extra weight to every shift and every goal. Add in the fact that the United States hosts the tournament while chasing a historic three-peat, and suddenly, every game feels like must-watch TV.
As the legendary Bob Johnson once said, “It’s a great day for hockey!” And Minnesota is ready to prove it.
Tournament Overview
Tournament Dates and Duration
- Start Date: December 26, 2025
- End Date: January 5, 2026
- Total Teams: 10
- Age Group: Under-20 (U20)
Watch Here: 2026 IIHF U20 WJC Live Stream From Anywhere [Free trail Available]
For nearly two weeks, fans will live and breathe World Junior hockey.
Host Cities – St. Paul and Minneapolis
Minnesota isn’t called the State of Hockey for nothing. With deep-rooted hockey culture, packed arenas, and passionate fans, St. Paul and Minneapolis provide the perfect backdrop for the sport’s brightest young stars.
50th Anniversary Significance
Reaching 50 editions is no small feat. This milestone tournament celebrates decades of iconic moments, legendary players, and unforgettable games that shaped international hockey.
Participating Teams at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship
Complete List of Qualified Teams
- Canada
- United States
- Sweden
- Finland
- Czechia
- Slovakia
- Switzerland
- Latvia
- Germany
- Denmark
Newly Promoted and Returning Nations
Denmark returns to the top division with one clear mission: survival. Meanwhile, teams like Latvia and Switzerland look to continue punching above their weight after recent strong performances.
Tournament Groups Breakdown
Group A (St. Paul)
- United States
- Sweden
- Germany
- Slovakia
- Switzerland
Strengths and Key Matchups
Group A is stacked with speed, structure, and tactical depth. USA vs Sweden is the marquee clash, while Germany and Slovakia could surprise with disciplined defensive play.
Group B (Minneapolis)
- Canada
- Czechia
- Finland
- Latvia
- Denmark
Dark Horses and Rivalries
Canada headlines Group B, but Czechia and Finland are never pushovers. Latvia, fresh off historic upsets, could once again disrupt the script.
2026 IIHF World Junior Championship Power Rankings
Top Contenders for Gold
- Canada – Ranked #1 and hungry after back-to-back quarterfinal exits.
- United States – Hosts and two-time defending champions (2024, 2025).
- Sweden – Deep blue-line and tournament consistency.
Mid-Tier Challengers
- Czechia – Reliable goaltending and strong defensive core.
- Finland – Annoyingly effective with elite netminder Petteri Rimpinen.
- Slovakia – Young, fearless, and flying under the radar.
Relegation Battle Teams
- Switzerland
- Latvia
- Germany
- Denmark
Every point matters when survival is on the line.
Opening Day Schedule – December 26, 2025
Full Match Schedule with Start Times
- Sweden vs Slovakia – 12:00 PM local / 1:00 PM ET – Grand Casino Arena
- Denmark vs Finland – 2:30 PM local / 3:30 PM ET – 3M Arena at Mariucci
- Germany vs USA – 5:00 PM local / 6:00 PM ET – Grand Casino Arena
- Czechia vs Canada – 7:30 PM local / 8:30 PM ET – 3M Arena at Mariucci
Opening Day Results (Dec. 26, 2025)
Four preliminary round games kicked off the tournament across the two host venues:
| Game | Score | Venue |
| Sweden vs. Slovakia | Sweden 3–2 | Grand Casino Arena |
| Finland vs. Denmark | Finland 6–2 | 3M Arena at Mariucci |
| USA vs. Germany | USA 6–3 | Grand Casino Arena |
| Canada vs. Czechia | Canada 7–5 | 3M Arena at Mariucci |
Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Venue |
| Slovakia vs. Germany | 2:00 PM | Grand Casino Arena |
| Latvia vs. Canada | 4:30 PM | 3M Arena at Mariucci |
| USA vs. Switzerland | 6:00 PM | Grand Casino Arena |
| Denmark vs. Czechia | 8:30 PM | 3M Arena at Mariucci |
Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025
Tomorrow features a lighter schedule with only two games:
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Venue |
| Sweden vs. Switzerland | 2:00 PM | Grand Casino Arena |
| Finland vs. Latvia | 4:30 PM | 3M Arena at Mariucci |
Monday, Dec. 29, 2025
The action picks back up with four games on Monday:
- Germany vs. Sweden: 1:00 PM ET
- Finland vs. Czechia: 3:30 PM ET
- Slovakia vs. USA: 6:00 PM ET
- Canada vs. Denmark: 8:30 PM ET
Venues Hosting Opening Day Games
Both arenas will be buzzing from puck drop to final horn.
Complete Tournament Schedule and Format
Preliminary Round Explained
Each team plays four group-stage games. Standings determine quarterfinal seeding, with the bottom teams facing relegation danger.
Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Medal Games
- Quarterfinals: January 2
- Semifinals: January 4
- Gold & Bronze Medal Games: January 5
Lose once in the knockout stage, and it’s over. No safety net.
Venues for the 2026 World Junior Championship
Grand Casino Arena – St. Paul
A modern arena known for its electric atmosphere and fan-friendly design.
3M Arena at Mariucci – Minneapolis
A historic hockey venue that feels like home ice for American players.
How to Watch the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship Live
Live TV Broadcast Options
- United States: NHL Network
- Canada: TSN (English), RDS (French)
Official Streaming Platforms
- International Viewers: IIHF.tv (where local broadcasters are unavailable)
Live Scores and Game Centre
Real-time updates, stats, and play-by-play are available via the official IIHF WJC Game Centre.
Recent World Junior Championship History
2025 – Ottawa, Canada
USA won gold with a thrilling 4–3 overtime victory over Finland. Czechia claimed bronze.
2024 – Gothenburg, Sweden
Another dominant USA performance, beating Sweden 6–2 in the final.
2023 – Halifax/Moncton, Canada
Canada captured gold in overtime against Czechia, while USA settled for bronze.
Key Players and Rising Stars to Watch
NHL Draft Prospects
The World Juniors often preview future NHL stars. Expect first-round picks to make headlines.
Goaltenders Who Could Steal the Show
Tournament success often hinges on hot goaltending—and several teams bring elite netminders capable of carrying them deep.
Why Minnesota Is the Perfect Host
Hockey Culture and Fan Energy
Minnesota fans don’t just watch hockey—they live it. Expect packed arenas and deafening cheers.
Facilities and Fan Experience
Top-tier venues, smooth logistics, and winter-perfect conditions make Minnesota an ideal host.
Predictions and Expectations for the 2026 World Juniors
Will Canada reclaim gold? Can the USA pull off a historic three-peat? Or will Sweden, Finland, or Czechia crash the party? One thing’s certain—expect chaos, passion, and unforgettable moments.
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship isn’t just a tournament—it’s a celebration of hockey’s future. With elite teams, iconic venues, and a milestone anniversary, this year’s World Juniors promise nonstop excitement from December 26 to January 5. Whether you’re watching for national pride or future NHL stars, this is hockey at its purest.
FAQs
1. When does the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship start?
It begins on December 26, 2025, and runs through January 5, 2026.
2. Where is the 2026 World Junior Championship being held?
In St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
3. How can I watch the World Juniors live?
Games are broadcast on NHL Network (USA), TSN/RDS (Canada), and streamed internationally on IIHF.tv.
4. How many teams compete in the tournament?
Ten national under-20 teams participate.
5. Who are the favorites to win gold in 2026?
Canada, the United States, and Sweden enter as the top contenders.
