As the calendar turns to 2026, the latest edition of the World Juniors is on to the knockout rounds.
Sweden emerged from group play as the top seed, the only team to win all four of its games in regulation. In search of their first title since 2012, the Swedes have relied on defense, allowing only eight goals in the preliminary round of what has been a high-scoring tournament so far.
Speaking of scoring, Canada has been the most explosive team to date. After failing to reach the semifinals the last two years, the Canadians poured in 25 goals in the group stage. It has been a balanced attack, with three players accounting for eight points each in Zayne Parekh (four goals, four assists), Gavin McKenna (3 G, 5 A) and Michael Hage (2 G, 6 A).
Don't sleep on the home team, though. While the two-time defending champion USA squad fell to Sweden to close out group play, the Americans have the skill and experience to lift the trophy again with the likes of Will Zellers (five goals so far) leading the way.
Here's how to watch all the knockout-round action from the Twin Cities.
World Juniors bracket 2026
Quarterfinals
- Sweden vs. Latvia
- Czechia vs. Switzerland
- USA vs. Finland
- Canada vs. Slovakia
Teams will be re-seeded for semifinals based on their standing after the preliminary round.
World Juniors knockout round schedule, scores 2026
Friday, Jan. 2
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Relegation game: Germany vs. Denmark | 12:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Quarterfinal: Sweden vs. Latvia | 2 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Quarterfinal: Czechia vs. Switzerland | 4:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Quarterfinal: USA vs. Finland | 6 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Quarterfinal: Canada vs. Slovakia | 8:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
Sunday, Jan. 4
Teams will be reseeded for semifinals. If the USA is in the semis, it will play the early game.
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Semifinal 1 | 4:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Semifinal 2 | 8:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
Monday, Jan. 5
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Third-place game | 4:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Championship | 7:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
Where to watch World Juniors 2026: TV channel, live stream
- TV channel: NHL Network
- Live stream: Fubo
The 2026 World Junior Championships will air live on NHL Network.
E.J. Hradek will be the primary play-by-play announcer and will handle every Team USA game, alongside analyst Tony Granato and reporter Jon Morosi.
Fans can stream every game live on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
World Juniors location 2026
- Location: Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Arenas: Grand Casino Arena (Saint Paul), 3M Arena (Minneapolis)
The 2026 edition of the World Juniors will be played in the Twin Cities, with Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul — home of the NHL's Minnesota Wild — hosting Group A games and most of the knockout round. Group B games and two quarterfinals will be played at the University of Minnesota's 3M Arena in Minneapolis.
World Juniors winners, medalists
Here are the medal-winning teams from the last 10 World Juniors:
| Year | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | USA | Finland | Czechia |
| 2024 | USA | Sweden | Czechia |
| 2023 | Canada | Czechia | USA |
| 2022 | Canada | Finland | Sweden |
| 2021 | USA | Canada | Finland |
| 2020 | Canada | Russia | Sweden |
| 2019 | Finland | USA | Russia |
| 2018 | Canada | Sweden | USA |
| 2017 | USA | Canada | Russia |
| 2016 | Finland | Russia | USA |