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After a thrilling win over Slovakia, the United States suffered its first loss of the 2026 World Juniors with a decisive defeat at the hands of Sweden. What does the USA have for a response?
The U.S. still easily qualified for the tournament portion of the competition, and Finland is first on the docket for the Americans as they try to keep their hopes of a three-peat alive.
Finland finished third in Group B, defeating Denmark and Latvia by a combined score of 14-2 but falling in overtime against Czechia and letting Canada score seven goals in the team's preliminary round finale. Both the USA and Finland enter Friday's quarterfinal game coming off a tough loss that was defined by defensive issues, and the margin for error is gone at this stage of the World Juniors.
In positive news for the U.S., defenseman Cole Hutson is set to return after missing two games following a scary puck-to-the-face incident against Switzerland, giving the Americans a defensive boost for this winner-take-all stretch ahead.
Here's all you need to know to watch the United States and Finland battle in the World Juniors quarterfinals on Friday.
Where to watch USA vs. Finland World Juniors 2026
- TV channel: NHL Network
- Live stream: Fubo
Fans can watch USA vs. Finland live on NHL Network, which is the home of all USA games at the 2026 World Juniors. E.J. Hradek will be the play-by-play commentator with Tony Granato serving as color analyst.
For those without cable, Fubo will have a live stream on its platform which offers a free trial.
For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99, a $30 savings. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
USA vs. Finland World Juniors 2026 start time
- Date: Friday, Jan. 2
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
The puck is set to drop between the U.S. and Finland at 6 p.m. ET on Friday from Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota.
World Juniors 2026 schedule, results
Friday, Dec. 26
| Game | Time (ET) |
| Slovakia 2, Sweden 3 | 1 p.m. |
| Denmark 2, Finland 6 | 3:30 p.m. |
| Germany 3, United States 6 | 6 p.m. |
| Czechia 5, Canada 7 | 8:30 p.m. |
Saturday, Dec. 27
| Game | Time (ET) |
| Germany 1, Slovakia 4 | 2 p.m. |
| Canada 2, Latvia 1 (OT) | 4:30 p.m. |
| United States 2, Switzerland 1 | 6 p.m. |
| Denmark 2, Czechia 7 | 8:30 p.m. |
Sunday, Dec. 28
| Game | Time (ET) |
| Sweden 4, Switzerland 2 | 2 p.m. |
| Latvia 0, Finland 8 | 4:30 p.m. |
Monday, Dec. 29
| Game | Time (ET) |
| Germany 1, Sweden 8 | 1 p.m. |
| Czechia 2, Finland 1 (OT) | 3:30 p.m. |
| United States 6, Slovakia 5 | 6 p.m. |
| Canada 9, Denmark 1 | 8:30 p.m. |
Tuesday, Dec. 30
| Game | Time (ET) |
| Switzerland 4, Germany 0 | 2 p.m. |
| Latvia 6, Denmark 3 | 4:30 p.m. |
Wednesday, Dec. 31
| Game | Time (ET) |
| Switzerland 3, Slovakia 2 | 1 p.m. |
| Czechia 4, Latvia 2 | 3:30 p.m. |
| Sweden 6, United States 3 | 6 p.m. |
| Canada 7, Finland 4 | 8:30 p.m. |
Friday, Jan. 2
| Game | Time (ET) |
| Relegation: Germany vs. Denmark | 12:30 p.m. |
| Quarterfinal: Sweden vs. Latvia | 2 p.m. |
| Quarterfinal: Czechia vs. Switzerland | 4:30 p.m. |
| Quarterfinal: United States vs. Finland | 6 p.m. |
| Quarterfinal: Canada vs. Slovakia | 8:30 p.m. |
Sunday, Jan. 4
| Game | Time (ET) |
| Semifinal: TBD vs. TBD | 4:30 p.m. |
| Semifinal: TBD vs. TBD | 8:30 p.m. |
Monday, Jan. 5
| Game | Time (ET) |
| Third-place game: TBD vs. TBD | 4:30 p.m. |
| Championship game: TBD vs. TBD | 8:30 p.m. |
English (US)