Team USA Battles Canada for U18 Women's Worlds Gold

SYDNEY, Nova Scotia – It all comes down to this – the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team will face Canada in the gold medal game at the 2026 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship on Sunday (Jan. 18). Puck drop is set for 6:30 p.m. ET and can be viewed on NHL Network. IN THE GOLD MEDAL GAME The U.S. holds a 9-7 record in gold medal games at this tournament, having won the top prize in 2024, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2011, 2009 and 2008. With a win today, it would be the 10th Under-18 Women's World Championship title in program history. MAKING THE GOLD MEDAL GAME Team USA has skated in the gold medal game of the Under-18 Women's World Championship 17 of the 18 years this tournament has been staged. The lone year they did not make the gold medal game was in 2023, when they won bronze. ALL TIME AGAINST CANADA Tonight's game marks the 24th all-time meeting between Canada and the U.S. at this tournament, with Team USA holding a 8-5-4-6 (W-OTW-OTL-L) advantage in all-time meetings. AGAINST CANADA IN THE GOLD MEDAL GAME The U.S. and Canada have met 14 previous time in the gold medal game, with the all time record an even 7-7. The teams most recently met in the 2025 gold medal game, with Canada winning 3-0.