The World Juniors are back in the United States for the first time since 2018, with the host nation and its closest neighbor once again among the favorites to win gold.
Team USA and Canada have split the last six IIHF World Juniors titles, with the U.S. Taking the glory each of the last two years. While they have been the dominant nations most of the past decade, the Americans and Canadians have faced off in the final only twice in that span, with the U.S. Prevailing in 2021 and 2017.
Canada didn't even reach the medal round the last two years after winning back-to-back titles on home soil in 2022-23, so the pressure for a medal will be significant.
Will the Canadians bounce back, will Team USA win a third consecutive crown, or will the likes of 2025 silver medalist Finland or 2024 finalist Sweden get past the last hurdle?
Here's how to watch all the action from the Twin Cities.
World Juniors schedule, scores 2026
Friday, Dec. 26
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden vs. Slovakia | 1 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Denmark vs. Finland | 3:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| USA vs. Germany | 6 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Canada vs. Czechia | 8:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
Saturday, Dec. 27
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Slovakia vs. Germany | 2 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Canada vs. Latvia | 4:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| USA vs. Switzerland | 6 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Denmark vs. Czechia | 8:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
Sunday, Dec. 28
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden vs. Switzerland | 2 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Finland vs. Latvia | 4:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
Monday, Dec. 29
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Germany vs. Sweden | 1 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Finland vs. Czechia | 3:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| USA vs. Slovakia | 6 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Canada vs. Denmark | 8:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
Tuesday, Dec. 30
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland vs. Germany | 2 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Latvia vs. Denmark | 4:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
Wednesday, Dec. 31
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland vs. Slovakia | 1 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Czechia vs. Latvia | 3:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| USA vs. Sweden | 6 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Canada vs. Finland | 8:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
Friday, Jan. 2
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Relegation game | 12:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Quarterfinal 1 | 2 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Quarterfinal 2 | 4:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Quarterfinal 3 | 6 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
| Quarterfinal 4 | 8:30 p.m. | NHL Network, Fubo |
Sunday, Jan. 4
Teams will be reseeded for semifinals
| 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 2026 groups
Group A
- United States
- Sweden
- Slovakia
- Switzerland
- Germany
Group B
- Finland
- Czechia
- Canada
- Latvia
- Denmark
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.