This article contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission on purchases made through these links, but this comes at no extra cost to you and helps us provide more great content.
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship officially kicked off Fri, Dec 26, 2025 – Mon, Jan 5, 2026, in the “State of Hockey”—Minnesota. This landmark 50th-anniversary edition brings the world’s elite under-20 talent to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, featuring 10 nations competing across 29 high-stakes games.
The tournament is split between the Grand Casino Arena (home of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild) and the 3M Arena at Mariucci. All eyes are on Team USA as they pursue a historic “three-peat” on home ice, while a star-studded Team Canada, led by phenom Gavin McKenna, seeks redemption after consecutive quarterfinal exits. With future NHL stars showcasing their skill just months before the 2026 Winter Olympics, this golden anniversary promises an unforgettable chapter in hockey history.
2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Viewing Information
- Date: Fri, Dec 26, 2025 – Mon, Jan 5, 2026
- Venue: Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota.
- Start time: 1:00 PM ET
- Watch Live Stream: Start Watching Live Online (Available Worldwide)
2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Schedule
| Date | Time (ET) | Matchup | Venue |
| Fri, Dec 26 | 1:00 PM | Sweden vs. Slovakia | Xcel Energy Center |
| 3:30 PM | Denmark vs. Finland | 3M Arena at Mariucci | |
| 6:00 PM | Germany vs. USA | Xcel Energy Center | |
| 8:30 PM | Canada vs. Czechia | 3M Arena at Mariucci | |
| Sat, Dec 27 | 2:00 PM | Slovakia vs. Germany | Xcel Energy Center |
| 4:30 PM | Latvia vs. Canada | 3M Arena at Mariucci | |
| 6:00 PM | USA vs. Switzerland | Xcel Energy Center | |
| 8:30 PM | Denmark vs. Czechia | 3M Arena at Mariucci | |
| Sun, Dec 28 | 2:00 PM | Sweden vs. Switzerland | Xcel Energy Center |
| 4:30 PM | Finland vs. Latvia | 3M Arena at Mariucci | |
| Mon, Dec 29 | 1:00 PM | Germany vs. Sweden | Xcel Energy Center |
| 3:30 PM | Finland vs. Czechia | 3M Arena at Mariucci | |
| 6:00 PM | Slovakia vs. USA | Xcel Energy Center | |
| 8:30 PM | Canada vs. Denmark | 3M Arena at Mariucci | |
| Tue, Dec 30 | 2:00 PM | Switzerland vs. Germany | Xcel Energy Center |
| 4:30 PM | Latvia vs. Denmark | 3M Arena at Mariucci | |
| Wed, Dec 31 | 1:00 PM | Switzerland vs. Slovakia | Xcel Energy Center |
| 3:30 PM | Czechia vs. Latvia | 3M Arena at Mariucci | |
| 6:00 PM | USA vs. Sweden | Xcel Energy Center | |
| 8:30 PM | Canada vs. Finland | 3M Arena at Mariucci |
Where to Watch IIHF World Junior 2026 Live in USA, Canada, Australia?
- USA: NHL Network is the exclusive television home. Cord-cutters can stream via services that carry the channel, such as FuboTV, Sling TV (with Sports Extra), or DirecTV Stream.
- Canada: TSN (English) and RDS (French) provide wall-to-wall coverage. Fans can stream all games via the TSN app or TSN+.
- Australia: Coverage is typically available via ESPN (on Foxtel or Kayo Sports). If games aren’t broadcast locally, IIHF.tv often provides a live stream for regions without exclusive rights.
How To Watch IIHF World Junior 2026 Live in UK, New Zealand & rest of the World?
- United Kingdom: Games are typically broadcast on Viaplay Sports (formerly Premier Sports). Streaming is available via the Viaplay app or website.
- New Zealand: Sky Sport is the primary home for major IIHF events. Fans can stream games through Sky Sport Now.
- Rest of the World: In countries without a local TV deal, the IIHF.tv platform usually provides a live stream (often via YouTube or a dedicated portal). For regions with blackouts, a VPN can help access North American streams like TSN+ or NHL Network.
IIHF World Junior Championship 2026 Participating Team
Group A (St. Paul – Xcel Energy Center)
Group A consists of the defending champions and several perennial European powerhouses:
- USA (Host & Defending Champion)
- Sweden
- Slovakia
- Switzerland
- Germany
Group B (Minneapolis – 3M Arena at Mariucci)
Group B features a mix of high-ranking teams and the newly promoted squad:
- Canada
- Finland
- Czechia
- Latvia
- Denmark (Newly promoted from Division I-A)
IIHF World Junior Championship 2026 Preview
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship marks a historic 50th anniversary, hosted in the “State of Hockey,” Minnesota. This golden edition features a high-stakes battle as Team USA seeks a rare “three-peat” on home ice. However, they face a formidable Team Canada, hungry for redemption and led by phenom Gavin McKenna, the projected top pick for the 2026 NHL Draft.
Beyond the North American giants, Sweden and Czechia boast deep rosters capable of upsets, while Finland remains a tactical threat. With the tournament serving as a final showcase before the 2026 Winter Olympics, scouts are focused on elite prospects like James Hagens and McKenna. Expect high-octane drama at the Xcel Energy Center as hockey’s next generation competes for global supremacy.
The Rivalry Renewed: Team Lineups & Star Players
The 2026 World Juniors centers on the reignited rivalry between Team USA and Team Canada. The Americans boast a deep, fast lineup headlined by James Hagens, a creative playmaker and top NHL prospect, alongside returning defensive stalwarts who anchored their 2025 gold medal run. Their roster emphasizes a high-octane offensive transition game designed to overwhelm opponents on home ice.
Conversely, Canada is led by “The Next One,” Gavin McKenna. The 18-year-old phenom is the centerpiece of a physically imposing lineup that includes power forward Porter Martone and a mobile defensive corps. With world-class goaltending depth, Canada’s roster is meticulously built for physical dominance and redemption. This clash of styles—American speed versus Canadian power—defines the tournament’s most anticipated showdown.
IIHF World Junior Championship 2026: Team News and Press Conference
In the opening press conferences at Xcel Energy Center, coaches emphasized discipline and the “home-ice” pressure of the 50th-anniversary tournament. Team USA confirmed a healthy roster for their title defense, though captain James Hagens noted the target on their back is larger than ever. Meanwhile, Team Canada addressed the “redemption” narrative, with management emphasizing a return to a “heavy, physical identity” to counter the fast-paced European systems.
Slovakia and Sweden both reported minor “illness bugs” within their camps but expect full lineups for the preliminary round. Media day highlights focused on the influx of 2026 NHL Draft talent, with scouts noting that the “State of Hockey” atmosphere has already reached playoff-level intensity before the first puck drop.
Conclusion and Prediction
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship stands as a landmark celebration of hockey’s past and future. By bringing the 50th-anniversary tournament to the “State of Hockey,” the IIHF has ensured an atmosphere of unparalleled passion and intensity. For fans, this event is more than just a competition; it is a showcase of elite prospects like Gavin McKenna and James Hagens, who are set to define the NHL for years to come.
As the tournament progresses toward the gold medal game at Xcel Energy Center, the narrative remains centered on Team USA’s quest for a historic “three-peat” and Canada’s drive for redemption. Ultimately, the 2026 World Juniors will be remembered for its high-octane drama, elite skill, and the enduring spirit of international competition.
The Prediction
While Team USA enters as the favorite with the advantage of home ice and a star-studded, cohesive roster, the path to a “three-peat” is treacherous. Team Canada, fueled by recent disappointments and the explosive talent of Gavin McKenna, appears destined for a deep run. However, the depth of Sweden and the disciplined structure of Czechia make them dangerous “spoilers.”
Final Gold Medal Matchup: USA vs. Canada. Winner: Team USA. The Americans’ superior depth at center and the home-crowd energy at Xcel Energy Center will likely provide the edge needed to secure their third consecutive gold in a thrilling, one-goal final. Regardless of the outcome, the 2026 tournament will be remembered as a definitive chapter in the “State of Hockey.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When and where is the 2026 World Juniors taking place?
The tournament runs from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026. It is hosted in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA.
2. Why is this tournament special?
It is the 50th Anniversary of the IIHF World Junior Championship, featuring special celebrations and a highly competitive field in the “State of Hockey.
3. What’s the best option for U.S. viewers?
NHL Network for TV and ESPN+ for streaming without cable.
4. Can I watch on my phone or tablet?
Absolutely. All major platforms offer mobile apps.
5. Where can I buy tickets for live games?
Through the official IIHF portal and WorldJuniorsMN26.com.
