World Junior Hockey Championship Preview

The 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship runs December 26, 2025 – January 5, 2026, with games in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. This marks a return to U.S. ice, where the United States will defend its gold medal on home soil.

Ten national teams are split into two groups:

Group A: USA, Sweden, Slovakia, Switzerland, Germany
Group B: Canada, Finland, Czechia, Denmark, Latvia

The format features a preliminary round followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal games concluding January 5.

Defending Champions: United States

The U.S. enters the 2026 WJC as two-time defending champions, having secured gold in 2024 and 2025. They’ve built a deep roster blending returning contributors with emerging talent, and will aim for a rare three-peat on home ice.

Canada: Rebuilding & High Expectations

Canada is historically the most successful nation in World Junior history, but recent results have been uncharacteristically disappointing, with back-to-back fifth-place finishes. For 2026, Hockey Canada has retooled its approach, naming a training camp roster that includes top prospects like projected 2026 NHL Draft stars Gavin McKenna and others. Canada’s motivation will be redemption — and a chance to restore its reputation on the international junior stage after falling well short on home ice in Ottawa last year.

Sweden & Finland: European Contenders

Sweden returns with a talented group of prospects, including multiple recent first-round NHL picks and draft-eligible stars expected to make a big impact. Long known for its preliminary round prowess but medal round failures, the Swedes will be looking to make amends after a disappointing showing.

Finland, fresh off a silver medal in 2025, also enters as a team with experience and balance across lines, giving it medal-round upside even if it’s not among the top favorites. If nothing else, the Finns have always proven to be a thorn in the side of the tournament favorites.

Czechia: Depth & Momentum

Czechia brings a roster heavy with players developed in the Canadian Hockey League and other competitive junior circuits. After recent medal performances, they look to stay competitive and possibly spring an upset or two. They'll open their tournament slate with a difficult matchup against Canada on December 26th.

Notable 2026 WJC BetMGM Winner Odds:

Canada +145
USA +175
Sweden +450
Finland +1100
Czechia +2000
Slovakia +5700
Switzerland +8000
Germany +15100