The IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championship is back with the World Juniors 2026 which will take place between December 26 and January 5, in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, in the US. This 50th-anniversary edition of the world junior ice hockey championship promises elite U-20 talent, national pride at stake, and significant betting value for hockey betting fans.
Here’s the complete guide for informed bettors placing wagers on the world juniors 2026 and the latest odds available at ibet.
Also, don’t forget to check our promotions page to make the most of your bets during the WJC 2026!
Editor’s Note: We’ve updated the article with a recap of the group stage, the quarterfinals, the semifinals and a preview ahead of the medal games scheduled for January 5.
WJC 2026 Final Betting Picks
Sweden’s undefeated run looks impressive until you check the box score. So far, they faced four weaker teams (Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland, Latvia) plus a fatigued USA and averaged 4.6 goals per game. Their 1.4 goals-against average masks defensive vulnerability: they allowed 31+ shot attempts per game.
Czechia is a completely different opponent. They’ve already beaten Finland 2-1 OT and defeated Canada 6-4 in the semis, proving they belong with the tournament’s elite. This is where Czechia at 2.45 becomes the value play: goaltender Dominik Krejčí has proven himself under pressure with a 0.910+ save percentage against elite competition.
Meanwhile, Sweden’s Erik Harenstram hasn’t faced anything close to Czechia’s system. Strength-of-schedule adjustment tells the real story and, when you account for the quality opponents each team faced, Sweden’s true offensive capability drops to 2.8-3.0 goals, converging with Czechia’s proven 2.6 against elite defense. The market is pricing Sweden at 55% favorites based on an undefeated narrative, but this is a 50-50 matchup being underpriced. That’s the edge.
Consensus expects defensive hockey, but both teams bring serious offensive firepower. Sweden generates 31+ shots per game with creative attack options (Ivar Stenberg with 5 goals, Anton Frondell with 4), while allowing vulnerability to aggressive forechecking. Czechia has shown they can explode offensively with 6 goals on Switzerland and Canada, 2 on Finland who had the best-ranked goalie going into the tournament. They will exploit Sweden’s high-volume, undisciplined defensive approach.
WJC 2026 Bronze Medal Betting Picks
Canada came into the World Juniors 2026 as the hockey betting favourites but collapsed spectacularly in the semis. They led Czechia 4-2 in the third period and watched their gold medal hopes evaporate in a devastating 6-4 loss. That’s the kind of psychological damage that carries into the bronze medal game. Finland, meanwhile, lost to Sweden 4-3 OT in the semifinals, a competitive match where they showed resilience and kept pace with an elite opponent. This is Finland’s edge: goaltender Petteri Rimpinen is elite, posting a 0.935 save percentage with a 2.35 xGA/60 defensive rating that ranks among the tournament’s best. Canada’s rotation of goalies (0.897 save percentage) looks shaky against Finland’s defensive structure. Finland’s system isn’t flashy… it’s methodical, disciplined, limiting high-danger chances through positioning and spacing.
Against Canada’s explosive but undisciplined attack, that system wins. Finland is the value play at 3.20, with the emotional edge (competitive loss vs. devastating collapse) and structural advantage (elite defense beats weaker goaltending).
This bronze medal game has all the hallmarks of a defensive grind. Canada is playing for consolation and pride after a crushing semifinal loss and they’ll be conservative, defensive-minded, playing not to lose. Finland will match that energy with their elite defensive approach. Both teams lack the offensive explosiveness to push scoring volume, and both have legitimate reasons to play tight.
2026 World Juniors Recap: Group Stage, Quarterfinals & Semifinals
Group Stage Overview
Group A didn’t delivered on our projections… except for Germany finishing last. Having said that, Sweden (12 pts) finished undefeated 4-0, USA (9 pts) placed second 3-1. Sweden’s dominance included a 6-3 victory over USA in the final group game, which was a stunning result that positioned the Swedes as tournament favorites heading into playoffs. Switzerland (6 pts) and Slovakia (3 pts) secured the remaining quarterfinal spots, while Germany (0 pts) was eliminated.
Group B proved a bit less chaotic. Canada (11 pts) topped the group 3-0-1 and being heavily favored. Czechia (8 pts) finished second 2-1-0-1 but demonstrated rising competency with multiple blowout wins. Finland (7 pts) surprised with a 2-0-1-1 record after being projected to win the group but they lost to both Canada and Czechia. They did beat Denmark decisively, thoug. Latvia (4 pts) grabbed the final quarterfinal spot over Denmark (0 pts), who was relegated.
Quarterfinals Results (January 2)
Sweden dominated Latvia 6-3, remaining undefeated. Czechia beat Switzerland 6-2 with six different goal-scorers. Meanwhile, Finland shocked the hockey world by eliminating two-time defending champion USA 4-3 in overtime as Arttu Valola scored at 2:11 of OT, providing Finland redemption from their 4-3 loss to USA in last year’s gold medal game. Canada obliterated Slovakia 7-1 with a five-goal first period, showcasing the offensive firepower expected from the Canadians.
Semifinals Results (January 4)
Sweden and Czechia claimed the final spots in what will be the first all-European gold medal match since 2016. In the first semifinal, Sweden defeated Finland 4-3 in an extended shootout after a 3-3 regulation and overtime tie, with Anton Frondell scoring the game-winner in the eighth round of shootout attempts. Finland’s Petteri Rimpinen stood tall throughout regulation with the extra frame keeping the Finns in contention despite Sweden’s superior five-on-five play. However, from a hockey betting perspective, the shootout favored the Swedes’ offensive firepower over Finland’s defensive structure.
In the evening semifinal, Czechia eliminated Canada 6-4 in a dominant third-period performance that extended the Czechs’ remarkable tournament streak. Did you know they have now defeated Canada in the playoffs round in three consecutive World Junior Ice Hockey Championships (2024 quarterfinal, 2025 quarterfinal, 2026 semifinal). Tomas Poletin scored the decisive goal with 1:14 remaining in regulation, deflecting home what proved to be the winner before Vojtech Cihar sealed the result into an empty net. Czechia’s Michal Orsulak made 20 saves against Canada’s 31-save effort from Jack Ivankovic, but Canada’s even-strength play deteriorated as the game progressed, with the team unable to generate sustained pressure against Czechia’s tighter defensive structure.
Finland will now face Canada for the bronze medal on Monday afternoon, while Sweden and Czechia will battle for the World Juniors 2026 gold in an all-European final Monday evening.
WJC 2026 Semifinals Betting Picks
Sweden vs. Finland Betting Pick
The goaltending advantage swings Finland’s way, the momentum carries them forward, and the psychological edge from avenging their 2025 gold medal game loss fuels confidence.
We’re taking Finland at 2.70 because the market is overvaluing an undefeated run that faces regression in playoff hockey. As for scoring, two elite defensive systems meeting in a semifinal typically produces lower totals s let’s take the Under 5.5 at 1.76 and capture that dynamic perfectly.
Canada vs. Czechia Betting Pick
The odds at 4.20 for Czechia represent genuine value because the market still hasn’t fully respected how much they’ve improved. As for the total, Canada’s offensive firepower is real, and with goaltending uncertainty potentially opening lanes for scoring chances, this game has more goals than the surface suggests.
Over 6.5 at 2.18 captures the upside where both teams’ skill players find the back of the net, especially if we consider that Canada’s elite offense, combined with Czechia’s aggressive forecheck, creates a faster-paced game than a typical defensive matchup.
Editor’s Note: Our 1semifinals picks went 2-2.
World Juniors 2026: Tournament Overview
- Tournament Name: IIHF World Junior Championship (U-20)
- Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 2, 2026
- Location: Minneapolis & Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Venues: Grand Casino Arena (Saint Paul) & 3M Arena at Mariucci (Minneapolis)
- Participating Teams: 10 nations
- Format: Two groups of 5 teams, round-robin preliminary round, single-elimination playoffs
World Juniors 2026 Pick Summary
Outright Plays – World Juniors 2026 Odds
- Finland at 8.50 (strongest value, best futures play)
- USA at 3.10 (fair value, home ice advantage)
Editor’s Note: Our outright picks went 0-2.
WJC 2026 First Round Betting Picks
- Denmark vs Finland: Under 7.5 goals at 1.87
- Sweden vs Slovakia: Under 8 goals at 1.84
- Canada vs Czechia: Over 6.5 goals at 1.92
The World Juniors 2026 usually rewards bettors who understand that goaltending, defensive structure, and home ice advantage trump raw talent in eight-day elimination formats.
Finland at 8.50 offers the strongest edge. First-round games feature multiple inefficiencies if you target over/under betting markets rather than chasing moneyline favorites in ice hockey betting.
Place your picks at ibet’s sportsbook and remember that the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship begins December 26.
If you want to hedge, check our live betting platform for in-game hockey betting markets!
Editor’s Note: Our 1st round picks went 2-1.
World Juniors 2026 Hockey Betting Strategy
USA to Win Gold (3.10)
The USA defends back-to-back gold medals at home. Minnesota hosting provides a statistically significant advantage in youth hockey tournaments. Research confirms home ice edge amplifies at the junior level more than professionally. Defending back-to-back proves historically difficult. Three-peats rarely occur. Yet the USA possesses momentum, proven playoff experience, and favorable Group A matchups.
Germany, Slovakia, and Switzerland lack the depth of Group B (Canada, Finland, Czechia). USA’s elite offensive talent and experienced roster should dominate their group decisively. Home ice advantage alone provides roughly 10% edge. Combined with back-to-back momentum and superior Group A competition, USA at 3.10 represents fair odds on a genuine contender for the World Juniors 2026 gold medal.
Finland to Win Gold (8.50)
Finland lately excels at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship through defensive structure and goaltending excellence. Petteri Rimpinen’s .933 save percentage and 2024-25 Rookie of the Year honors signal elite pedigree. Short tournament formats amplify goaltending variance dramatically. Finland’s 5 golds prove tournament competency across decades.
Most critically: public betting money ignores Finland at 8.50, suggesting their true probability reaches 14-16%. Rimpinen’s excellence, combined with Finland’s defensive system and tournament experience, creates market inefficiency. This represents the strongest hockey betting value on the outright market.
Group B placement (Canada, Czechia, Latvia) complicates their path. But if they win the group, semifinal matchups could heavily favor their defensive structure against offensive-heavy opponents. Canada enters younger and unproven. Czechia poses a legitimate threat but lacks Finland’s goaltending depth.
Verdict: Finland at 8.50 offers the strongest value play on the board. Historical success plus Rimpinen’s excellence plus public indifference at these odds makes them the best futures bet for World Juniors 2026 betting.
World Juniors 2026 Betting Picks: First Round Games
Denmark U20 vs Finland U20 (December 26)
Pick: Under 7.5 goals at 1.87
Finland dominates this matchup across every metric. Denmark ranks among the tournament’s weakest offenses and they’ve never medaled in the history of World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Finland’s defensive structure and Rimpinen’s goaltending suggest a tight, low-scoring affair perfect for betting on the under.
The market priced this over/under nearly evenly (1.83/1.87), indicating sharp uncertainty about goal totals. Denmark will struggle generating quality chances. Finland won’t outscore opponents as they’ll look to suffocate them defensively. Under 7.5 goals at 1.87 offers betting value given Denmark’s offensive limitations and Finland’s defensive mastery.
Sweden U20 vs Slovakia U20 (December 26)
Pick: Under 8 goals at 1.84
Sweden dominates Slovakia across every dimension. The market priced the over at 1.86 and under at 1.84 and nearly even. Swedish teams with elite talent often outscore weak opponents decisively (9-11 goals). However, Slovakia’s defensive incompetence means Sweden doesn’t need to attack relentlessly so they can suffocate the game defensively.
Expect a Sweden 5, Slovakia 1 scoreline. Under 8 goals at 1.84 captures that reality better than the market assumes.
Canada U20 vs Czechia U20 (December 27, 2:30 AM ET)
Pick: Over 6.5 goals at 1.92
Most bettors assume Canadian dominance equals low-scoring, defensive battle. The opposite occurs. Canada’s younger roster plays aggressive, high-pace hockey to prove itself internationally. Czechia counters with offensive creativity and tournament experience. Both teams want to impress scouts and media in opening games.
The under at 1.78 receives heavy public action (better odds on the favorite side). Over 6.5 at 1.92 captures the aggressive game-opening pace these teams bring. Expect 7-8 combined goals in this ice hockey matchup. Over 6.5 at 1.92 offers modest but real value.
World Juniors 2026 Complete Schedule
Group A (Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul)
| Date | Time (CET+1) | Matchup |
| Dec 26 | 6:00 PM | Sweden vs Slovakia |
| Dec 26 | 11:00 PM | Germany vs USA |
| Dec 27 | 7:00 PM | Slovakia vs Germany |
| Dec 27 | 11:00 PM | USA vs Switzerland |
| Dec 28 | 7:00 PM | Sweden vs Switzerland |
| Dec 29 | 6:00 PM | Germany vs Sweden |
| Dec 29 | 11:00 PM | Slovakia vs USA |
| Dec 30 | 7:00 PM | Switzerland vs Germany |
| Dec 31 | 6:00 PM | Switzerland vs Slovakia |
| Dec 31 | 11:00 PM | USA vs Sweden |
Group B (3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis)
| Date | Time (CET+1) | Matchup |
| Dec 26 | 8:30 PM | Denmark vs Finland |
| Dec 26 | 1:30 AM (Dec 27) | Czechia vs Canada |
| Dec 27 | 9:30 PM | Latvia vs Canada |
| Dec 27 | 1:30 AM (Dec 28) | Denmark vs Czechia |
| Dec 28 | 9:30 PM | Finland vs Latvia |
| Dec 29 | 8:30 PM | Finland vs Czechia |
| Dec 29 | 1:30 AM (Dec 30) | Canada vs Denmark |
| Dec 30 | 9:30 PM | Latvia vs Denmark |
| Dec 31 | 8:30 PM | Czechia vs Latvia |
| Dec 31 | 1:30 AM (Jan 1) | Canada vs Finland |
World Juniors 2026 Knockout Stage
Quarterfinals (January 2)
| Time (CET+1) | Matchup |
| 7:00 PM | 1A vs 4B |
| 9:30 PM | 2B vs 3A |
| 11:00 PM | 1B vs 4A |
| 1:30 AM (Jan 3) | 2A vs 3B |
Semifinals (January 4)
| Time (CET+1) | Matchup |
| 9:30 PM | QF Winner 1 vs QF Winner 2 |
| 1:30 AM (Jan 5) | QF Winner 3 vs QF Winner 4 |
Medal Games (January 5)
| Time (CET+1) | Matchup |
| 9:30 PM | Bronze Medal Game |
| 1:30 AM (Jan 6) | Gold Medal Game |
World Juniors 2026 Group Stage Projections
Group A: USA and Sweden Dominate
Expected Finish:
- USA
- Sweden
- Slovakia
- Switzerland
- Germany
USA dominates Group A. Germany lacks elite talent and will struggle defensively against American firepower. Switzerland competes but lacks consistent scoring. Slovakia presents a defensive challenge but USA’s home ice advantage proves insurmountable.
Sweden finishes second with elite talent depth (Stenberg, Frondell, Eklund) but stumbles against USA at home. The key matchup (USA vs Sweden, Dec 31) determines the group winner.
Group B: Finland and Canada Fight for #1
Expected Finish:
- Finland
- Canada
- Czechia
- Latvia
- Denmark
Finland emerges as Group B’s strongest team. Petteri Rimpinen’s elite goaltending combined with defensive structure limits scoring opportunities. Canada finishes second despite being favored. Their younger roster, though talented, remains unproven. Czechia’s rising competency creates a three-way battle for advancement.
Latvia presents upset potential but lacks consistency. Denmark ranks among the tournament’s weakest teams and will face relegation. The key matchup (Canada vs Finland, Dec 31) determines the group winner.
World Juniors 2026 Winner Odds
Who’s favourite to win the World Juniors 2026? The following are the outright odds available at ibet:
| Country | Odds | Implied % |
| Canada | 2.45 | 40.8% |
| USA | 3.10 | 32.3% |
| Sweden | 4.75 | 21.1% |
| Finland | 8.50 | 11.8% |
| Czechia | 17.00 | 5.9% |
| Switzerland | 46.00 | 2.2% |
| Slovakia | 46.00 | 2.2% |
| Germany | 91.00 | 1.1% |
| Latvia | 141.00 | 0.7% |
| Denmark | 226.00 | 0.4% |
Top Players to Watch at the World Juniors 2026
Sweden’s Elite Ice Hockey Prospects
Ivar Stenberg (2026 draft-eligible winger) leads Sweden’s attack. Playing for Frolunda HC in the Swedish elite league, Stenberg compiled 23 points in 24 games. This marks an unprecedented pace for draft-eligible forwards. His high-IQ playmaking and creation ability make him Sweden’s most dangerous offensive weapon.
Anton Frondell (Chicago Blackhawks, 3rd overall 2025) brings versatility and net-front presence. He combines relentless pace with two-way responsibility, functioning as Sweden’s most complete forward.
Victor Eklund (New York Islanders, 16th overall 2025) provides high-tempo play and intelligent positioning. Alongside Stenberg and Frondell, Eklund forms Sweden’s most dangerous scoring line.
Finland’s Tournament Specialists
Petteri Rimpinen (Los Angeles Kings prospect) returns as goaltender after posting a .933 save percentage and winning tournament MVP honors. He earned Liiga’s 2024-25 Rookie of the Year award which makes him elite pedigree for a 19-year-old. Rimpinen’s excellence fundamentally shifts Finland’s medal probability.
Emil Hemming (Dallas Stars, 1st round 29th overall 2024) exploded offensively, posting seven goals and 27 points in 16 games with Barrie Colts. His scoring punch anchors Finland’s forward group.
Aatos Koivu (Montreal Canadiens prospect, 3rd round 2024) bridges Finland’s structured tactical system with skilled offensive creation. Son of legendary Saku Koivu, he carries significant expectations.
North American Standouts
Jack Hutson (USA, defenseman, elite 2026 draft prospect) anchors the U.S. blue line with mobility, vision, and playmaking from the back end. He should establish himself as the tournament’s top defenseman.
Gavin McKenna (Canada, left wing, projected #1 pick 2026) leads the Canadians at age 17. Youngest on the roster, McKenna carries “generational prospect” status. His pace and scoring ability compensate for his youth.
How to Watch the World Juniors 2026 in Europe
Sweden
SVT (free-to-air Swedish television) and Viaplay Group (subscription streaming) broadcast all games.
Key matchups:
- Sweden vs Slovakia (1:00 AM CET Dec 27)
- Sweden vs Switzerland (2:00 AM CET Dec 29)
- Sweden vs USA (5:00 AM CET Jan 1).
Finland
TV5 (free-to-air, Warner Bros. Discovery) and Max (streaming) carry all Finnish games.
- Finland vs Denmark (3:30 AM CET Dec 27)
- Finland vs Canada (Dec 31, TBD)
Rest of Europe
Eurosport and Eurosport Player (via Max) cover the tournament across most European territories. ČT Sport (Czechia), TV6 (Latvia), and national broadcasters carry home-nation matches. All games stream on Eurosport’s digital platform.
Time Zone Note: Minnesota operates Central Time (UTC-6). Games broadcast 7:00 PM ET translate to 1:00 AM CET next morning. European bettors planning late-night viewing should adjust schedules accordingly.
All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and may have moved since the content was published. Betting markets shift constantly based on action and betting news. For the latest odds and current lines, visit the ibet Sportsbook.
