2026 World Juniors daily: Jan 4
It’s semi-final day at the 2026 World Juniors as Canada, Czechia, Finland and Sweden look to advance to Monday’s final in St. Paul, MN.
Jan. 4 schedule
Sweden vs. Finland – 4:30pm ET / 1:30pm PT
Canada vs. Czechia – 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT
The day ahead
The first semi-final sees the CHL’s six Finnish players face off against Sweden. Finland finished third in Group B after a 2-1-1 round-robin and then proceeded to eliminate the host USA 4-3 in overtime in the quarterfinals. The Everett Silvertips duo of Matias Vanhanen and Julius Miettinen (SEA) have helped pace the Finnish offence as they have combined for nine points thus far while the Barrie Colts’ Emil Hemming (DAL) has three goals. A year ago, Finland lost in the final in overtime to the USA and will look to play for gold for the first time since 2019 when they were victorious in Vancouver.
As for Sweden, they went 4-0-0 in the round-robin to top Group A before they eliminated Latvia 6-3 in the quarterfinals. Despite all their international success, Sweden have only claimed gold twice at the World Juniors (1981/2012) but will look to return to the final for the first time since they lost on home ice in 2024.
In the second semi-final, Canada and Czechia meet once again. The two sides met on Boxing Day where Canada skated away with a 7-5 win in an entertaining affair that helped propel them to first place in Group B with a perfect 4-0-0 record before they eliminated Slovakia 7-1 in the quarters. Canada is seeking its first gold medal since they beat the Czechs 4-3 in overtime in 2023 and are pursuing a record 21st gold in World Juniors history. The Saginaw Spirit’s Zayne Parekh (CGY) continues to lead the tournament in scoring with 10 points while the reigning CHL Player of the Year in Gavin McKenna (2026) paces all Canadian forwards with nine goals.
Czechia finished second in Group B with a 2-1-1 record before they beat Switzerland 6-2 in the final eight. They have medalled in the last three tournaments but haven’t won gold after they took home silver in 2023 and bronze in 2024 and 2025. Czechia haven’t won gold since they went back-to-back in 2000 and 2001. Incoming Kelowna Rockets forward Vojtech Cihar (LA) leads all Czech players with nine points in five games thus far.
Where to watch
Sweden and Finland can be seen live on TSN 1/4/5 while Canada’s contest with Czechia is available on TSN 1/3/4.
Tournament notes:
79 past and present CHL players to compete at 2026 World Juniors
Canada roster
Non-Canada players
