Sweden was crowned world junior ice hockey champion for the third time after defeating Czechia in an all-European final. The match, held on January 5, 2026, marked the first all-European junior world hockey finale since 2016.
Swedish forward Antol Frodell praised the team’s unity, stating, “It was time for a gold and we did it. We are a big family. We love each other and we did the right things for the team to win.”
Czechia’s coach Patrik Augusta admitted that his team was fatigued after their semifinal victory over Canada, saying the players were exhausted “not just physically but mentally.” He added, “I think Sweden played better from the beginning.”
Augusta noted that his team searched for a spark, which came too late, only in the final minutes of the match.
The scoring opened with Casper Juustovaara and Viktor Eklund netting goals for Sweden in the first period. Sascha Boumedienne extended the lead to 3–0 early in the second period, giving Sweden a solid advantage.
Czechia managed to respond through Adam Jiricek and Matej Kubiesa, with Kubiesa scoring a goal in the final 24 seconds. Sweden sealed the victory when Ivar Stenberg scored an empty-net goal with just eight seconds remaining.
Earlier in the tournament, Canada’s defenseman Zayne Parekh set a national record by recording 13 points, including a goal and an assist, the highest ever by a Canadian defenseman in the competition.
Sweden’s victory reflects the growing strength of European junior hockey, demonstrating disciplined teamwork and strategic play against a resilient Czechia squad. The win adds to Sweden’s junior hockey legacy and reinforces their reputation in international ice hockey.
The tournament highlighted emerging talent, including record-setting performances and competitive matches that captivated hockey fans worldwide. Both Sweden and Czechia displayed skill and determination, but Sweden’s consistency and coordination ultimately secured the championship.
With this triumph, Sweden now holds three world junior hockey titles, joining an elite group of nations with multiple victories in the competition. Their performance sets a high standard for future tournaments and underscores the importance of teamwork and preparation in international junior hockey.
