When does Canada play next in World Juniors? Updated schedule, results for 2026 IIHF hockey tournament originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The pressure is on Team Canada during the 2026 World Juniors.
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Widely considered youth hockey’s finest factory, Canada’s U20 team has failed to land a podium spot in back-to-back tournaments.
It’s not for a lack of talent. The Canadians have showcased some of the world’s finest young players in recent years, including Gavin McKenna, Matthew Schaefer, and Michael Misa. That hasn’t translated to tournament success, though. Predictably, this has led to questions about the future of Canadian hockey—questions made more apparent when compared with the United States, which has won two World Junior titles in as many tournaments.
McKenna, the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, will don the red-and-white once more in 2026. He’ll be looking for a serious breakout performance in this year’s competition. Canada most certainly needs it.
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Here’s what you need to know about Team Canada’s schedule and results during the 2026 World Juniors.
When does Canada play next?
Canada will open its World Juniors account with a matchup against Czechia on Dec. 26. The country has performed admirably in each of their last three trips to the tournament, claiming two bronze medals (2024, 2025) and a silver ornament in 2023.
The side is led by top-20 selections Radim Mrtka and Adam Jiricek. The Czech are two years removed from downing the Canadians and denying them a medal place during the 2024 tournament.
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Canada World Juniors schedule 2026
Canada opens the World Juniors with four group play matches. The top four teams from each group will move onto the quarterfinals, which start on Jan. 2.
Below is the full schedule for Canada at the 2026 World Juniors:
Date
Time (ET)
Matchup
Friday, Dec. 26
8:30 p.m.
Czechia vs. Canada
Saturday, Dec. 27
4:30 p.m.
Latvia vs. Canada
Monday, Dec. 29
8:30 p.m.
Canada vs. Denmark
Wednesday, Dec. 31
8:30 p.m.
Canada vs. Finland
How to watch World Juniors games on TV, live stream
​TV channel (Canada): TSN
Live stream (Canada):Â TSN.ca, TSN app
TV channel (U.S.):Â NHL Network
TSN and the NHL Network will once again be home to all of the action for the 2026 World Juniors.
Canadian viewers can watch the competition on TSN or stream the games through TSN.ca or on the TSN app.
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The American audience can view the games live on TV on the NHL Network or stream them through Fubo, which offers a free trial.