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    Canada vs. Czechia live score, updates, highlights from 2026 World Juniors hockey game image
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    Canada vs. Czechia live score, updates, highlights from 2026 World Juniors hockey game

    The end of the year means it’s time for the IIHF World Junior Championships, perhaps the most exciting junior tournament in sports.

    Team Canada enters this year’s tournament with 20 titles overall, by far the most in World Junior’s history. However, Canada hasn’t lived up to expectations in the last two years, failing to finish in the top four while Team USA took home gold in both tournaments.

    Despite falling short in the last few tournaments, Canada is still the favorite for this year’s World Junior  Championships. This year’s team features Gavin McKenna, expected first pick in the 2026 NHL draft, 2025 second overall pick Michael Misa, and Tij Iginla, son of Calgary Flames great Jerome Iginla.

    Canada will open the tournament against Czechia, who earned back-to-back bronze medals in 2024 and 2025. This is also a rematch of the 2023 gold medal game, which Canada won for its last medal in this tournament.

    The Sporting News is tracking live updates and highlights from the 2026 World Juniors game between Canada and Czechia. Follow along below as Canada plays its first game of the tournament.

    STREAM: Watch the 2026 World Juniors with FuboTV (Free trial)

    Canada vs. Czechia score

      1 2 3 F Canada 2 1 3   Czechia 1 2 1  

    Canada vs. Czechia updates, highlights from 2026 World Juniors hockey gameCanada 6, Czechia 4

    10:46 p.m.: GOAL! After some intense action, Ethan McKenzie buries one to give Canada a two-goal lead.

    Canada 5, Czechia 4

    10:41 p.m.: GOAL! Tij Iginla takes the lead right back for his first goal of the tournament. The two sides are trading blows back-and-forth.

    Canada 4, Czechia 4

    10:39 p.m.: GOAL! Czechia answers back as Poletin scores his second of the game.

    Canada 4, Czechia 3

    10:35 p.m.: GOAL! Parekh cashes in on the advantage for his second goal of the night. Canada has the lead.

    10:33 p.m.: Czechia is called for its third penalty of the game so Canada is headed back to the power play.

    10:32 p.m.: Canada is putting some pressure on Czechia to start the period and has had a few decent chances.

    10:28 p.m.: The third period is underway to decide the winner of this game. 

    End of second period: Canada 3, Czechia 3

    10:09 p.m.: The second period ends with Czechia pressure, but the game is tied at the break.

    Canada 3, Czechia 3

    10:04 p.m.: GOAL! Zayne Parekh gets a goal back for Canada to tie the game at 3.

    10:02 p.m.: Some more back-and-forth action gives each team a n opportunity that doesn’t go anywhere.

    Czechia 3, Canada 2

    9:55 p.m.: GOAL! Czechia grabs its first lead of the game with Petr Sikora putting one past Carter George.

    9:52 p.m.: Canada is producing extended time in Czechia’s zone but can’c come away with a score. That is followed by breakaway chances by both sides while both goalies make stops.

    9:48 p.m.: This is Canada’s second unsuccessful power play on the day with Czechia able to work out of it.

    9:45 p.m.: Canada heads back to the power play as Matyas Man is called for hooking.

    Canada 2, Czechia 2

    9:41 p.m.: GOAL! Vojtech Cihar ties the game on a tipped goal in front of the net.

    9:39 p.m.: The second period opens with some back-and-forth action but no great scoring chances yet.

    9:35 p.m.: We are back for the second period as Canada looks to extend its lead.

    End of first period: Canada 2, Czechia 1

    9:16 p.m.: The final play of the period is reviewed, as it appeared that the Czechia defender caught the puck to keep it out of the net. It is no goal, but the refs may have missed a penalty shot call.

    9:13 p.m.: The first period comes to a close with a scrum in front of the Czechia net, as Canada comes close to adding a third goal.

    9:10 p.m.: As the clock ticks down on the first period, Canada is picking up the pace on its pressure.

    Canada 2, Czechia 1

    9:07 p.m.: GOAL! It’s Canada’s second line once more, this time with a Michael Hage snipe.

    Canada 1, Czechia 1

    9:06 p.m.: GOAL! Czechia ties the game on a Tomas Poletin goal.

    9:05 p.m.: The action has loosened up with both teams finding more space on the ice. Czechia has more shots on goal despite the deficit.

    Canada 1, Czechia 0

    9:02 p.m.: GOAL! Brady Martin breaks the ice for Canada to take an early lead, with McKenna and Michael Hage getting an assist.

    8:59 p.m.: Canada is putting the pressure on Czechia when Czechia is able to break out for a great chance, but still no scoring.

    8:56 p.m.: Canada gets a couple more scoring opportunities, but Michal Orsulak makes the stops for Czechia.

    8:54 p.m.: Czechia gets a good opportunity on a bouncing puck but can’t take advantage. The Czechs are finding some more opportunities.

    8:49 p.m.: Some extended zone time from Canada leads to a few chances, but no damage yet. Gavin McKenna was among those making the push.

    8:47 p.m.: Canada gets no shots on the power play, but Czechia actually gets a few strong chances including a breakaway. Goalie Carter George makes the stops for Canada.

    8:44 p.m.: Canada gets an early power play as Czechia is called for hooking 3.5 minutes into the game.

    8:40 p.m.: We are underway from Minnesota! 

    8:30 p.m.: We are moments away from puck drop as Canada and Czechia open their 2026 Juniors championship in Minnesota. 

    8:10 p.m.: Here’s how Czchia will line up for the game against Canada.

    8:00 p.m.: Canada’s captain for the tournament is Porter Martone, Philadelphia Flyers prospect.

    7:15 p.m.: Here’s a look at Canada’s lines for tonight’s game. Michael Misa and Tij Iginla headline the first line.

    Canada vs. Czechia start time

    • Date: Friday, Dec. 26
    • Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

    Canada will open it’s World Juniors against Czechia on Friday, Dec. 26 at 8:30 p.m. ET live from 3M Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

    Canada vs. Czechia TV Channel

    • TV channels: TSN (Canada) | NHL Network (U.S.)
    • Live stream: TSN app (Canada) | Fubo (U.S.)

    TSN will be broadcasting the Canada vs. Czechia game on Friday night in Canada, while U.S. viewers can watch the game on NHL Network. For those looking for a live streaming option, the TSN app will have the game in Canada and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users, has the game in the U.S.

    2026 World Juniors scheduleFriday, Dec. 26

    Matchup Time (ET) Sweden vs. Slovakia 1:00 p.m. Denmark vs. Finland 3:30 p.m. United States vs. Germany 6:00 p.m. Canada vs. Czechia 8:30 p.m.

    Saturday, Dec. 27

    Matchup Time (ET) Slovakia vs. Germany 2:00 p.m. Latvia vs. Canada 4:30 p.m. United States vs. Switzerland 6:00 p.m. Denmark vs. Czechia 8:30 p.m.

    Sunday, Dec. 28

    Matchup Time (ET) Sweden vs. Switzerland 2:00 p.m. Finland vs. Latvia 4:30 p.m.

    Monday, Dec. 29

    Matchup Time (ET) Germany vs. Sweden 1:00 p.m. Finland vs. Czechia 3:30 p.m. Slovakia vs. United States 6:00 p.m. Canada vs. Denmark 8:30 p.m.

    Tuesday, Dec. 30

    Matchup Time (ET) Switzerland vs. Germany 2:00 p.m. Latvia vs. Denmark 4:30 p.m.

    Wednesday, Dec. 31

    Matchup Time (ET) Switzerland vs. Slovakia 1:00 p.m. Czechia vs. Latvia 3:30 p.m. United States vs. Sweden 6:00 p.m. Canada vs. Finland 8:30 p.m.

    Friday, Jan. 2 (Playoffs: Quarterfinals & Relegation)

    Matchup Time (ET) Relegation Game (5th A vs. 5th B) 12:30 p.m. Quarterfinal 1 2:00 p.m. Quarterfinal 2 4:30 p.m. Quarterfinal 3 6:00 p.m. Quarterfinal 4 8:30 p.m.

    Sunday, Jan. 4 

    Matchup Time (ET) Semifinal 1 4:30 p.m. Semifinal 2 8:30 p.m.

    Monday, Jan. 5 

    Matchup Time (ET) Bronze Medal Game 4:30 p.m. Gold Medal Game 8:30 p.m.

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