Team Canada, stacked with NHL first-round talent, entered the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota with a laser focus. They won their opener over pesky Czechia, and their second preliminary-round game on Saturday, Dec. 27, carries a significance far greater than a typical tournament tilt.
The opponent is Latvia, the team responsible for arguably the biggest upset in World Juniors history: a shocking 3-2 shootout victory over the host Canadians in the 2025 tournament.
STREAM: Watch all the World Juniors action with FuboTV (free trial)
While the Canadians are 1-0 in this year's the tournament and have arguably the deepest roster on paper, Latvia has proven to be far more than just a footnote. The Baltic nation has consistently avoided relegation and cracked the quarterfinals in three of the last four years, often relying on outstanding goaltending and a defensive structure that can frustrate even the most potent offenses.
The memory of Latvian goalie Linards Feldsbergs' 55-save performance that silenced the Canadian crowd last year will undoubtedly linger, making this a psychological test for a Canadian squad aiming to return to the medal podium after two straight years without a medal. That loss served as a humiliating wake-up call, fueling Canada’s desire for retribution as they look to assert their dominance in Group B.
For Latvia, this rematch represents a golden opportunity to prove their historic win was no fluke. They return a core of experienced players who know how to hang with the perennial favorites, including key contributors from the 2025 upset. Though Canada is expected to win handily, the previous result transforms this matchup into a captivating David-versus-Goliath narrative. Whether Canada delivers a statement performance to wipe the slate clean or Latvia once again defies the odds, this early tournament clash is mandatory viewing.
Follow along for updates below.
Canada vs. Latvia final score
Canada vs. Latvia results, highlights from 2026 World Juniors
2:45 p.m.: Canada had a thrilling win over Czechia, but went under fire for not shaking hands after. The team released a statement earlier today ahead of the game vs. Latvia.
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) December 27, 2025
2:31 p.m.: In 2024, Latvia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Juniors history when it defeated Canada 3-2 in a shootout. He victory marked Latvia's first-ever win against the hockey powerhouse at the World Juniors, a stunning achievement made possible by a brilliant 54-save performance from goaltender Linards Feldbergs.
#OTD in 2024, Latvia took down Canada 3-2 (SO) in Kanata 🇱🇻🇨🇦
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 27, 2025
They rematch today at 4:30 PM ET... 🍿 #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/NZyBmYC7cg
Today, the two teams face off for the first time since.
12:33 p.m.: Canada enters today's contest 1-0 after a 7-5 win vs. The Czech Republic on Friday night.
GAME OVER! What a night. What a win. 🇨🇦🇨🇿
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) December 27, 2025
MATCH FINI! Quelle soirée. Quelle victoire. 🇨🇦🇨🇿
📊 https://t.co/P5Zx7Vn7JM
📊 https://t.co/uwBQBGOMvW #WorldJuniors | #MondialJunior pic.twitter.com/SFAsXGh7al
What channel is Canada vs. Latvia on today?
- TV channels: TSN (Canada) | NHL Network (United States)
- Live stream: TSN app (Canada) | Fubo (United States)
Canada vs. Latvia will air on TSN in Canada and NHL Network in the U.S.
Viewers can also stream the game on the TSN app (or TSN.ca) in Canada and on the NHL Network app or Fubo (which offers a free trial) in the U.S.
Canada vs. Latvia start time
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 27
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Canada vs. Latvia will start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 27.
This is the second game for both teams in the tournament.
2026 World Juniors schedule
Saturday, Dec. 27
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Slovakia vs. Germany | 2:00 p.m. |
| Latvia vs. Canada | 4:30 p.m. |
| United States vs. Switzerland | 6:00 p.m. |
| Denmark vs. Czechia | 8:30 p.m. |
Sunday, Dec. 28
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Sweden vs. Switzerland | 2:00 p.m. |
| Finland vs. Latvia | 4:30 p.m. |
Monday, Dec. 29
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Germany vs. Sweden | 1:00 p.m. |
| Finland vs. Czechia | 3:30 p.m. |
| Slovakia vs. United States | 6:00 p.m. |
| Canada vs. Denmark | 8:30 p.m. |
Tuesday, Dec. 30
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Switzerland vs. Germany | 2:00 p.m. |
| Latvia vs. Denmark | 4:30 p.m. |
Wednesday, Dec. 31
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Switzerland vs. Slovakia | 1:00 p.m. |
| Czechia vs. Latvia | 3:30 p.m. |
| United States vs. Sweden | 6:00 p.m. |
| Canada vs. Finland | 8:30 p.m. |
Friday, Jan. 2 (Playoffs: Quarterfinals & Relegation)
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Relegation Game (5th A vs. 5th B) | 12:30 p.m. |
| Quarterfinal 1 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Quarterfinal 2 | 4:30 p.m. |
| Quarterfinal 3 | 6:00 p.m. |
| Quarterfinal 4 | 8:30 p.m. |
Sunday, Jan. 4
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Semifinal 1 | 4:30 p.m. |
| Semifinal 2 | 8:30 p.m. |
Monday, Jan. 5
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Bronze Medal Game | 4:30 p.m. |
| Gold Medal Game | 8:30 p.m. |