2026 World Juniors daily: Jan 5
Czechia and Sweden will play for gold today at the 2026 World Juniors
Jan. 5 schedule
Canada vs. Finland – 4:30pm ET / 1:30pm PT
Czechia vs. Sweden – 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT
About yesterday
The first semi-final saw Sweden outlast Finland in the eighth round of the shootout to emerge victorious with a 4-3 victory. The Ottawa 67’s Jasper Kuhta was credited with a goal for Finland while the Everett Silvertips’ Matias Vanhanen scored in the shootout but missed on two other opportunities. For Sweden, they will look to win just their third ever World Juniors gold medal, and first since 2012, while Finland will look to medal in back-to-back years after they claimed silver a year ago.
In the second semi, Czechia eliminated Canada 6-4. The Edmonton Oil Kings’ Max Curran (COL) had a goal and two assists while incoming Kelowna Rockets forward Vojtech Cihar (LA) had a pair of goals. The Rockets’ Tomas Poletin (NYI) and Brantford Bulldogs’ Adam Benak (MIN) chipped in with a goal and an assist each while the Vancouver Giants’ Adam Titlbach also scored. In goal, the Prince Albert Raiders’ Michal Orsulak stopped 20 shots. The Rockets’ Tij Iginla (UTA), Saginaw Spirit’s Zayne Parekh (CGY) and former Victoria Royal Cole Reschny (CGY) and Brampton Steelhead Porter Martone (PHI) all scored for Canada.
Incoming @Kelowna_Rockets forward Vojtech Cihar (#GoKingsGo) with a wonderful solo effort 🇨🇿 #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/KlC5ek2Aw2
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) January 5, 2026
Tonight, Czechia will seek its third World Juniors gold medal and first since they went back-to-back in 2000 and 2001. As for Canada, it is the first time they will play for bronze since 2014 while 2012 was the last time they finished third at a World Juniors.
Monday’s final will also be the first all-European final since 2018 when Finland beat Russia for gold while it will mark the first time in 13 years that neither Canada, Finland or USA will win gold.
Where to watch
The bronze medal game between Canada and Finland can be seen live on TSN 1/4 while the gold medal game between Czechia and Sweden is available on TSN 1/3/4/5.
Tournament notes:
79 past and present CHL players to compete at 2026 World Juniors
Canada roster
Non-Canada players
