Where to Watch USA vs. Finland: 2026 World Juniors Quarterfinals
As the thrill of the World Juniors intensifies, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming quarterfinal showdown between the United States and Finland. This match promises to be a nail-biter, especially following the U.S. team’s recent rollercoaster ride through the tournament. After a stirring win against Slovakia, the team faced their first loss against Sweden, raising the stakes for their next game.
Current State of the Teams
The USA made it through to the knockout stage despite their recent setback against Sweden, which exposed some defensive vulnerabilities. With their hopes of securing a three-peat alive, they are focused on striking back against Finland. Meanwhile, Finland finished third in Group B, showing impressive firepower with a grand total of 14 goals scored against Denmark and Latvia. However, they too experienced the sting of a loss, falling to Canada with a score of 7-4.
Both teams enter this critical match needing to shore up their defensive strategies, as they’ve both been marked by recent lapses.
Key Player Updates
In positive news for the U.S., defenseman Cole Hutson is making a return after missing two games due to a concerning puck-to-the-face incident. His presence is expected to provide a much-needed boost for the U.S. squad as they look to tighten their gameplay in this high-stakes environment.
Where to Watch
Fans looking to catch the action live can tune in to NHL Network, the primary broadcaster for USA games during the World Juniors. E.J. Hradek will provide play-by-play commentary, while Tony Granato will serve as the color analyst, offering insights and analysis throughout the match.
For those without cable, FuboTV will be offering a live stream, and even better, a free trial is available for new users, making it an ideal option for casual viewers.
Additional details for streaming through FuboTV include a promotional offer where the first month is available for as low as $49.99—a significant savings compared to standard rates—enabling fans to enjoy over 200 channels of live TV and sports programming without the need for a traditional cable subscription.
Game Time and Venue
The much-anticipated puck drop is set for 6 p.m. ET on Friday from the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota. This venue promises to be electric, filled with passionate fans eager to witness the next chapter in this storied rivalry.
Upcoming Match Schedule
To put the stakes into perspective, here’s a snapshot of the upcoming games on the schedule for Friday, January 2:
- Quarterfinal Match:
- USA vs. Finland – 6 p.m. ET
- Additional matchups include:
- Sweden vs. Latvia – 2 p.m. ET
- Czechia vs. Switzerland – 4:30 p.m. ET
- Canada vs. Slovakia – 8:30 p.m. ET
With the quarterfinals approaching, the excitement is palpable as teams vie for a coveted spot in the semifinals. Fans are gearing up for an unforgettable showdown, eager to see if the U.S. can reaffirm its dominant presence in junior hockey against a formidable Finnish side.