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Two strong teams will meet once again in the knockout stage of the IIHF World Junior Championship, as Canada takes on Czechia in the semifinals on Sunday night.
The World Juniors have officially been around since the 1970s, giving hockey fans the chance to see the next wave of talent perform on the big stage. From stars of yesteryear like Wayne Gretzky and Peter Forsberg, to the likes of Sidney Crosby, Connor Bedard and Connor McDavid, NHL greats – past and present – have competed in the tournament.
This is the sixth tournament in a row that Canada and Czechia will meet up in the medal round. Along with their thrilling overtime win in the gold medal game in 2023, Canada has won three of the past five matchups. However, Czechia stunned the Canadians in each of the past two tournaments.
Including their dominant 7-1 win over Slovakia in the quarterfinals, the Canadians look more structured and more confident, heading into the knockout stage, going undefeated and finishing atop the Group B standings.
Czechia entered this year’s WJC having won medals in each of the past three years, something the country has never been able to do. They ended up finishing second in Group B after losing to Canada in its first game of the tournament, but they definitely look like a team worthy of at least making it back to the final four.
2026 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPSemifinals
Canada vs. Czechia
When:Â Sunday, January 4
Time:Â 8:30 p.m. ET
Where:Â Grand Casino Arena (St. Paul, Minn.)
Channel:Â NHL Network