Hockey enthusiasts are set for an electrifying international tournament as the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships descend upon the Twin Cities, promising high-stakes competition and national pride.

The prestigious event will be hosted across two iconic Minnesota venues: the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul and the University of Minnesota's 3M Arena in Minneapolis, marking the first U.S. tournament since 2018.

Team USA enters the championship with significant momentum, having secured the gold medal in the past two consecutive tournaments. The American squad will face stiff competition from traditional powerhouse Canada, as well as emerging hockey nations like Finland and Sweden who have demonstrated remarkable skill in recent years.

The tournament's preliminary results have already showcased intense international matchups, with thrilling outcomes like Slovakia defeating Germany 4-1, Canada narrowly beating Latvia 2-1 in overtime, and Sweden defeating Switzerland 4-2. These early games have set the stage for dramatic quarterfinal encounters featuring Sweden versus Latvia, Czechia against Switzerland, USA versus Finland, and Canada facing Slovakia.

NHL Network will provide comprehensive coverage of the championships, with veteran broadcaster E.J. Hradek serving as the primary play-by-play announcer. He'll be joined by analyst Tony Granato and reporter Jon Morosi, offering fans comprehensive insights into each Team USA game.

Fans eager to catch every moment of the tournament can stream live games through Fubo, which offers a convenient free trial for new subscribers. This accessibility ensures that hockey enthusiasts worldwide can witness the next generation of international hockey talent compete at the highest level.

As the tournament progresses, the hockey world will be watching closely to see whether the United States can secure an unprecedented third consecutive gold, if Canada can reclaim its historical dominance, or if emerging teams like Finland will continue their recent international success.