World Juniors locations, times announced for U.S., Canada and Sweden quarterfinals

ST PAUL, Minn — With the lions share of the preliminary round complete, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is announcing quarterfinal locations and times for three of the tournament’s top teams, including the U.S. 

Canada, Sweden and the U.S. have three of the top four seeds locked up after three pool games, which ensures them a spot in the medal round. At this point, their opponents have yet to be decided. On Jan. 2, the American squad will play its quarterfinal at 5 p.m. at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. The Swedes open medal round play at the same location at 1 p.m. 

Canada will play on Jan. 2 at 3M Arena at Mariucci, with the puck dropping at 7:30 p.m. against an opponent that has yet to be decided. The remaining quarterfinal will be played at Mariucci starting at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 2, with the teams to be determined at the conclusion of the preliminary round on Dec. 31. 

Tickets for all games of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, along with tournament information, are available here. 

After three preliminary games, the U.S. and Sweden sit atop the Group A standings with records of 3-0 and 9 points. Canada is currently leading Group B with two regulation wins and one overtime win, good for 8 pool points. Finland is second in Group B with two regulation wins, an overtime loss, and 7 pool points.