With a massive four-game slate on the schedule, the round-robin portion of the 2026 World Junior Championship officially came to a close.

With both groups tightly packed, every matchup carried weight as teams jockeyed for final placement ahead of the quarterfinals, which get underway on January 2, 2026.

The day opened with Basile Sansonnens and Team Switzerland taking on Slovakia in the first qualifying puzzle in Group A.

As he has throughout the tournament, Sansonnens skated on Switzerland’s second pairing and logged heavy minutes, finishing the game with 19:57 of ice time. Thanks to a pair of late first-period power play goals, the Swiss were able to hang on for a 3–2 victory, securing third place in Group A.

As a result, Switzerland will face Czechia in the quarterfinals on January 2. They will play the third game of the day, with puck drop scheduled for 1:30 pm PT.

With both teams entering the contest undefeated at 3–0–0–0, Sweden’s showdown with the host Americans carried major stakes.

Sweden rose to the occasion, handing the United States a decisive 6–3 loss behind a dominant four-goal second period. Special teams were a significant factor, accounting for six of the game’s nine goals — five on the power play and one shorthanded.

Jack Berglund led the way with three assists, while top 2026 draft-eligible forward Ivar Stenberg chipped in a goal. Viggo Björck continued his strong tournament, showing tremendous vision by adding two more impressive assists.

From a Vancouver Canucks perspective, Wilson Björck was once again scratched after making his tournament debut in Game 3.

Finishing atop Group A, Sweden will take on Latvia in the quarterfinals, drawing the early 11:00 am PT time slot.

New Year’s Eve lived up to its reputation, delivering another high-event contest as Canada battled for first place in Group B.

The opening period alone featured six goals, with the teams tied 3–3 after 20 minutes. Canada took control from there, fueled by a strong second half from Cole Beaudoin, who finished with two goals and an assist to earn Player of the Game honours.

Continuing in his role as Canada’s fourth-line winger, Braeden Cootes logged 9:55 of ice time and picked up one penalty.

With the win, Canada secured first place in Group B and will face Slovakia in the quarterfinals on January 2. They will skate in the final game of the day, with puck drop set for 5:30 pm PT.

Sweden vs. Latvia (11:00 am)
Switzerland vs. Czechia (1:30 pm)
Canada vs. Slovakia (5:30 pm)