Latvia delivered a commanding performance on the ice, routing Hungary 8‑1 to lock down a place in the quarterfinals of the World Ice Hockey Championship.
The result not only lifts Latvia to third in Group A but also sets up a potential showdown with the United States, who can clinch the final slot with a win over Austria, while Germany’s tournament hopes evaporated after the loss.
Switzerland and Finland vie for group supremacy
Later in the schedule, Switzerland and Finland meet in a decisive clash that will determine the group winner, adding a layer of intrigue to the knockout stage.
Norway kept its own quarterfinal hopes alive with a 4‑3 overtime victory over Denmark, edging past the Danes in a dramatic finish that underscored the tournament’s competitiveness.
Sweden, Canada and the seeding battle
In other matches, Sweden faced a must‑win situation against Slovakia to stay alive, while Canada, already positioned as the group winner, squared off against Czechia in a contest that could influence seeding for the next round.
All eyes now turn to Thursday, when the quarterfinals will commence, featuring the emerging Latvian side alongside the United States and the other qualifiers.