The United States failed to secure a third consecutive title at the world junior hockey championship, marking a significant setback for the team. Sweden emerged as the new champion, capturing the gold medal in a thrilling competition that saw several upsets and surprises.

The American squad started the tournament on a high note, defeating Germany, Switzerland, and Slovakia with impressive performances. However, their journey came to an end when they faced Sweden on New Year’s Eve, losing 6-3. This loss was followed by another disappointment in the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by Finland, a rematch of last year’s gold-medal game.

The USA had made history by winning back-to-back titles in the previous season, which was the first time they had achieved this feat in the under-20 tournament. Despite this success, they became the second consecutive host country to be eliminated in the quarterfinals, adding to the sense of frustration among fans and players alike.

The tournament featured intense competition across all teams, with several notable outcomes. Sweden, Finland, Canada, and Czechia advanced to the semifinals, each showcasing strong performances throughout the event. Sweden ultimately secured the top spot by defeating Finland, while Czechia ended Canada’s hopes of claiming a gold medal for the third consecutive year.

Sweden’s victory marked a significant achievement for the team, as they claimed the gold medal. Czechia took home the silver, and Canada earned the bronze, completing the podium with a mix of returning and emerging talent.

USA’s world juniors schedule, results

Dec. 26 – USA 6, Germany 3: The game was closer than the final score indicated. The USA built a 3-0 lead in the first period only to see Germany cut that to 4-3 in the second period. But Will Zellers and Cole Eiserman scored late in the second period as the USA pulled away.

Dec. 27 – USA 2, Switzerland 1: The USA gave up a tying goal soon after Cole Hutson left the ice on a stretcher, but Will Zellers picked up the game-winning goal for the second consecutive game. Brodie Ziemer scored earlier for the USA. Hutson was taken to the hospital for evaluation. USA Hockey said he has been released from the hospital and is day-to-day.

Dec. 29 – USA 6, Slovakia 5: The USA rallied from 2-0, 3-1 and 4-3 deficits to stay unbeaten. James Hagens tied the game 4-4 in the final minute of the second period, then put the USA ahead to stay 18 seconds into the third period. Will Zellers ended up with the game-winner, his third of the tournament.

Dec. 31 – Sweden 6, USA 3: Eddie Genborg and Lucas Pettersson each scored twice as Sweden pulled away in the second period and handed the USA its first loss of the tournament. Sweden won Group A and the USA finished second. Goalie Brady Knowling, 17, started for the USA but was pulled after two periods.

Jan. 2 – Finland 4, USA 3 (OT): Arttu Vilala scored at 2:11 of overtime to oust the two-time defending champion United States. The USA’s Ryker Lee had tied the game with 1:33 left in regulation. Cole Hutson returned from his injury vs. Switzerland and had a goal and an assist.

World juniors hockey schedule

All times p.m. ET. Games will be played at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, or at 3M Arena in Minneapolis.

Dec. 26

• Sweden 3, Slovakia 2
• Finland 6, Denmark 2
• USA 6, Germany 3
• Canada 7, Czechia 5

Dec. 27

• Slovakia 4. Germany 1
• Canada 2, Latvia 1 (OT)
• USA 2, Switzerland 1
• Czechia 7. Denmark 2

Dec. 28

• Sweden 4, Switzerland 2
• Finland 8, Latvia 0

Dec. 29

• Sweden 8, Germany 1
• Czechia 2, Finland 1 (OT)
• USA 6, Slovakia 5
• Canada 9, Denmark1

Dec. 30

• Switzerland 4 Germany 0
• Latvia 6, Denmark, 3

Dec. 31

• Switzerland 3, Slovakia 2
• Czechia 4, Latvia 2
• Sweden 6, USA 3
• Canada 7, Finland 4

Jan. 2

Relegation game

• Germany 8 Denmark 4

Quarterfinals

• Sweden 6 Latvia 3
• Czechia 6, Switzerland 2
• Finland 4, USA 3 (OT)
• Canada 7, Slovakia 1

Jan. 4 semifinals

Sweden 4, Finland 3 (SO)

Czechia 6, Canada 4

Jan. 5 medal games

• Bronze medal game: Canada 6, Finland 3
• Gold medal game: Sweden 4, Czechia 2

Team USA world juniors hockey roster

Player, team, NHL rights

Forwards

• Kamil Bednarik, Boston University, Islanders
• Cole Eiserman, Boston University, Islanders*
• James Hagens, Boston College, Bruins*
• Will Horcoff, Michigan, Penguins
• Ryker Lee, Michigan State, Predators
• Cole McKinney, Michigan, Sharks
• Brendan McMorrow, Denver, Kings
• LJ Mooney, Minnesota, Canadiens
• Max Plante, Minnesota-Duluth, Red Wings*
• AJ Spellacy, Windsor (OHL), Blackhawks
• Teddy Stiga, Boston College, Predators*
• Shane Vansaghi, Michigan State, Flyers
• Will Zellers, North Dakota, Avalanche
• Brodie Ziemer, Minnesota, Sabres*

Defensemen

• Asher Barnett, Michigan, Oilers
• EJ Emery, North Dakota, Rangers
• Logan Hensler, Wisconsin, Penguins*
• Cole Hutson, Boston University, Capitals*
• Adam Kleber, Minnesota-Duluth, Sabres*
• Luke Osburn, Wisconsin, Sabres
• Chase Reid, Soo (OHL), 2026 eligible
• Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen, Michigan, 2026 eligible

Goalies

• Caleb Heil, Madison (USHL), Lightning
• Nick Kempf, Notre Dame, Capitals
• AJ Reyelts, Penticton (WHL), 2026 eligible

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World juniors 2026 schedule, results as Sweden wins, USA falls short

Here is a summary of the full schedule and results from the world junior championships:

• Group Stage: The USA dominated their group with wins against Germany, Switzerland, and Slovakia.
• Quarterfinals: The USA lost to Finland, ending their campaign.
• Semifinals: Sweden defeated Finland, while Czechia knocked out Canada.
• Final: Sweden won the gold medal, with Czechia and Canada securing silver and bronze, respectively.

The tournament highlighted the depth of talent in international junior hockey and provided exciting moments for fans around the world. With the competition now concluded, attention will shift to the next edition, where teams will aim to reclaim their positions on the global stage.