When does Canada Juniors play next
If you're wondering when does Canada juniors play next, the answer is December 20, 2025, against Sweden in a warmup game. But the real action starts December 26 when Canada opens the 2026 World Junior Championship against Czechia. This is a huge year for Canadian junior hockey, and fans should definitely mark their calendars now.
Canada's upcoming game schedule
Canada has three games before the tournament officially begins. First comes the warmup match against Sweden on December 20 at 7:00 p.m. in Niagara Falls. Then Canada heads to Mankato, Minnesota, for a December 23 game with Germany. (It's going to be a busy stretch for the team.)
Once the tournament kicks off, things get really intense:
- December 26: vs. Czechia at 8:30 p.m. ET (Minneapolis)
- December 27: vs. Latvia at 4:30 p.m. ET
- December 29: vs. Denmark at 8:30 p.m. ET
- December 31: vs. Finland at 8:30 p.m. ET
All tournament games happen in Minnesota through January 5, 2026.
Where and how to watch the games
Two Minnesota arenas will host the championship. Canada plays at the 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis as part of Group B. You can stream games on FloHockey and NHL Network, which makes it super convenient to watch from home or even on your phone while your out.
Why Canada needs a strong tournament
Canada's recent performance has worried fans and coaches alike. The team exited the last two tournaments in the quarterfinals, which is pretty disappointing for a program that usually dominates junior hockey. Rivals like the U.S., Finland, and Sweden have been playing some really strong hockey, putting extra pressure on Canada to deliver.
The rivalry with the United States is especially intense. Americans have won three titles in the last five years, taking Canada's traditional spot at the top. Winning gold in 2026 would show that Canadian junior hockey is still a powerhouse.
What to know about the 2026 tournament
The 2026 World Junior Championship is the 50th edition of this famous event. Canada shares Group B with Finland, Czechia, Latvia, and Denmark, which means strong performances are necessary to move forward.
The tournament runs from December 26 through January 5, 2026, with playoff games deciding the medals. For Canadian hockey fans, these next couple weeks give you a chance to watch some of the country's best young talent compete internationally. Keep your phone ready for notifications, and catch every second you can.
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