The 2026 IIHF Hockey World Championship reached its decisive stage on Sunday, with both semifinal matchups delivering drama and fireworks. In a display of sheer dominance, Switzerland routed Norway 6‑0, while Finland engineered a stunning comeback to defeat Canada 4‑2 after falling behind early.
Semifinal Showdowns
Switzerland's victory was built on a balanced attack that saw six different scorers light the lamp. Leonardo Genoni stood tall in net, turning away all 20 shots he faced for a clean shutout. The Swiss power play was especially lethal, converting multiple chances and overwhelming the Norwegian defense.
Finland's Comeback
Finland faced an early test when Canada struck first, but a 12‑second burst in the second period flipped the momentum. Within a minute and a half, the Finns scored three unanswered goals, turning a 2‑1 hole into a 4‑2 lead. The surge was sparked by Aleksander Barkov and Konsta Helenius, who each contributed a goal and an assist.
Bronze Medal Battle
Later in the day, Canada and Norway will meet in a consolation game for third place. Both squads have already shown resilience, and the bronze‑medal clash promises to add another layer of excitement to the tournament's closing act.
Star‑Studded Performances
Key contributors for Switzerland included Christoph Bertschy, Denis Malgin, Ken Jager, Damien Riat, Nico Hischier and Theo Rochette, each finding the net. Finland's offensive output was anchored by Barkov, Helenius, Aatu Raty and Patrik Puistola, while Mikael Granlund added two assists. Goalie Justus Annunen made 27 saves for the Finns, preserving their lead.
The stage is now set for a highly anticipated final between Switzerland and Finland on Sunday at 2:20 p.m. ET. Fans can expect a clash of contrasting styles — Switzerland's disciplined, high‑tempo attack versus Finland's resilient, comeback‑driven approach. The bronze‑medal game will precede the championship match, offering a final taste of competition before the tournament crowns its champion.