There was no shortage of vitriol as Canada and Team USA went head to head at BCF Arena (Fribourg) in the quarterfinals of the 2026 IIHF World Championship. In the end, however, only one could make it through to the semifinals, and that was the Great White North.
Because winning teams will be reseeded after the quarterfinal stage and there is no fixed bracket, Canada did not learn who it would play next until all games of the round had been completed. The Canadians did not have to wait too long, though.
Once the second slate of the quarterfinals games come to an end, the winner of the latest edition of North America’s rivalry learned who—and when—it will play for a place in the gold-medal game. The “where” was already set, as the semifinals, as well as the medal games, will be held at Swiss Life Arena in Zurich.
Canada to face Finland
During its victory over the USA, Canada showed why it finished the preliminary round as the best team in the entire tournament and first in Group B. As a result, the Canadians will face the lowest-seeded team out of Group A in the semis. With Team USA (the lowest seeded team) out of the picture, the options shrunk for Canada.
Macklin Celebrini at 2026 Olympics.
Canada will take on Finland (2nd in Group A) in the semis. The Finns are coming off a strong 4-1 win over Czechia, continuing to prove just how big of a contender they are. Now, they will be up for a challenge unlike any other. Coming off a final before final against the USA, Canada is set for another championship-caliber showdown.
Best seeds are still standing
Following the quarterfinals round, the top-four seeded teams are still in contention for the 2026 IIHF World Championship. In the semifinals, No. 1 seeds will go up against No. 2 seeds, as Canada faces Finland, and Switzerland takes on Norway.
- No. 1 Switzerland vs No. 2 Norway
- No. 1 Canada vs No. 2 Finland
Save the date
The semifinals of the 2026 IIHF World Championship will be played on May 30 at Swiss Life Arena. As Switzerland reached this stage, it will play in the opening slate at 9:20 a.m. ET—meaning Canada will play in the second slate at 2:00 p.m. ET.
The bronze-medal game, as well as the gold-medal game, will take place on May 31 at 9:30 a.m. ET and 2:20 p.m. ET, respectively.
