2026 World Juniors daily: Dec. 31
It’s the final day of the round-robin at the 2026 World Juniors and while the eight quarterfinalists are set, there’s still plenty to play for.
Dec. 30 results:
Switzerland 4-0 Germany
Latvia 6-3 Denmark
About yesterday:
Wins by Switzerland and Latvia secured their berths in the quarterfinals. Switzerland blanked Germany 4-0 behind a 20-save shutout from the Kitchener Rangers’ Christian Kirsch. The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies’ 2026 NHL Draft prospect Lars Steiner tallied an assist as did former Rimouski Oceanic d-man Basile Sansonnens (VAN).
As for Latvia, they too are into the final eight after they doubled up Denmark 6-3. The Saint John Sea Dogs’ Olivers Murnieks tallied a pair of helpers in the win while in defeat, the Chicoutimi Sagueneens’ Anton Linde scored his second goal of the tournament.
As for Germany and Denmark, they’ll meet on Jan. 2 with a spot in the 2027 World Juniors up for grabs for the winner.
CHL Player of the Day
The Kitchener Rangers’ Christian Kirsch (SJ) had an outstanding outing to help his side reach the quarterfinals as he stopped all 20 shots he faced in a 4-0 win over Germany. In 21 appearances this season with Kitchener, he’s posted a 12-7-1 record with a .901 save percentage and 2.61 GAA. The 19-year-old was the 116th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
A few of Christian Kirsch's 20 saves from today's shutout victory 👇@OHLRangers | #TheFutureIsTeal https://t.co/oVWHgV7ONA pic.twitter.com/BALD82623g
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) December 30, 2025
Dec. 31 schedule
Switzerland vs. Slovakia – 1pm ET / 10am PT
Latvia vs. Czechia – 3:30pm ET / 12:30pm PT
USA vs. Sweden – 6pm ET / 3pm PT
Canada vs. Finland – 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT
The day ahead
In the New Year’s Eve opener, Switzerland and Slovakia meet with third place in Group A on the line. Both teams are 1-2-0 thus far and a win could avoid either side facing Canada – if they too are victorious later in the day – in a potential quarterfinal. Switzerland have been one of the best defensive teams in the tournament thus far as their six goals against are the third fewest.
A win in regulation for Czechia over Latvia would guarantee them a second place finish in Group B, a big advantage to ensure they avoid either the USA or Sweden in the quarterfinals. Currently the Czechs are third in the pool but with Canada and Finland meeting later tonight, and Czechia having the tiebreaker over Finland thanks to their win on Dec. 29, they have the inside track to a potential second place finish.
In the day’s third game, USA and Sweden meet for Group A supremacy. Both sides are 3-0-0 thus far and while each side has scored with relative ease – they’ve combined for 29 goals – the USA’s +5 goal difference is the worst of any of the top four teams in the tournament thus far. A win for either team would be huge though as it would avoid a quarterfinal against either Finland or Czechia.
Finally, Canada and Finland clash to end the year with the winner taking Group B. Canada currently holds a one-point lead on Finland and know that a win of any kind sees them finish in top spot. The same can be said for Finland but a loss for last year’s silver medallists will see them finish third and face either Sweden or the USA in the quarters. Finland however have only given up four goals all tournament, the best among all 10 teams.
Where to watch
Switzerland and Slovakia can be seen live on TSN 1/5 while Czechia’s contest with Latvia is available on TSN 1/4. TSN 1/5 will show USA and Sweden while Canada’s matchup with Finland is live on TSN 1/4/5.
Tournament notes:
79 past and present CHL players to compete at 2026 World Juniors
Canada roster
Non-Canada players
After five days of action, here’s how the standings shape up! 🔥 #WorldJuniors #IIHF pic.twitter.com/5CorJNP8xJ
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) December 31, 2025
