The highly anticipated men's ice hockey final at the 2026 Winter Olympics is set to feature a classic North American rivalry as the United States takes on Canada today. This gold medal match promises intense competition, especially following the recent women's final where these two nations also clashed.
Historic Context and NHL Participation
The past three Olympic gold medals in men's ice hockey were claimed by Finland in 2022, Olympic Athletes from Russia in 2018, and Canada in 2014. Canada also secured victory in 2010 by defeating the United States in the Vancouver final.
The United States holds a total of 11 Olympic ice hockey medals but has not captured gold since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980—over 45 years ago. Their only other gold medal dates back to 1960.
Significantly, 2026 marks the first Winter Olympics since 2014 where NHL players are participating. Previous Games in 2018 and 2022 saw the NHL and International Olympic Committee fail to reach agreements, impacting rosters for the USA, Canada, and other nations.
Favourites and Recent Form
With NHL players returning, Canada enters as favourites for the Milan gold medal. However, the United States recently defeated Canada to win gold in women's ice hockey, adding extra intrigue to this matchup.
Men's Winter Olympics Ice Hockey Schedule
Final
February 22: Canada vs USA (8:10am ET / 1:10pm GMT)
How to Watch
The gold medal match will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock in the United States, CBC in Canada, and BBC or Discovery+ in the United Kingdom.
Tournament Results and Team Performance
Semi-finals
- February 20: USA 6-2 Slovakia
- February 21: Canada 3-2 Finland
Quarter-finals
- February 18: Czech Republic 3-4 Canada
- February 18: Sweden 1-2 USA
- February 18: Germany 2-6 Slovakia
- February 18: Switzerland 2-3 Finland
Play-off Round
- February 17: Czech Republic 3-2 Denmark
- February 17: Sweden 5-1 Latvia
- February 17: Germany 5-1 France
- February 17: Switzerland 3-0 Italy
USA Group C Results
- February 12: Latvia 1-5 USA
- February 14: USA 6-3 Denmark
- February 15: USA 5-1 Germany
Canada Group A Results
- February 12: Czech Republic 0-5 Canada
- February 13: Switzerland 1-5 Canada
- February 15: Canada 10-2 France
All games have been played at either the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena or the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, where teams have been training extensively ahead of the Games.
