2026 World Jr Championship History & Past Winners
Pool A vs Pool B
The 2026 World Junior Championship features 10 elite hockey nations split into two competitive groups. Pool A battles at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, while Pool B competes at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis—just 8 miles apart. Each team plays all opponents in their pool before the top 4 advance to the knockout rounds.
This format creates intense rivalries, unexpected upsets, and unforgettable moments as future NHL stars represent their countries on hockey's biggest junior stage.
🔴 POOL A
The American Group
🔥 Pool A Matchups to Watch
- USA vs Sweden (Dec 30): Two medal favorites clash in what could determine Pool A winner
- USA Opens vs Germany (Dec 26): Defending champs debut on home ice on Boxing Day
- Slovakia vs Sweden (Dec 26): Opening day upset potential—Slovakia looking to prove themselves
🏟️ Grand Casino Arena Details
💡 Pro Tip: Grand Casino Arena hosts ALL Team USA preliminary games plus the championship finale. Book tickets early for USA games—they sell out fast on home soil!
🔵 POOL B
The Canadian Group
🔥 Pool B Matchups to Watch
- Canada vs Finland (Dec 31 - NYE): New Year's Eve showdown between Canada's redemption and Finland's silver medalists
- Canada Opens vs Czechia (Dec 26): Canada faces defending bronze medalists on opening night
- Finland vs Czechia (Dec 29): Rematch of 2025's medal-round clash
- Denmark's Return: Watch the underdogs—Denmark hasn't competed at this level since 2019
🏟️ 3M Arena at Mariucci Details
💡 Pro Tip: Mariucci offers a classic college hockey vibe with incredible sightlines. ALL Canada preliminary games happen here—perfect for Canadian fans traveling to Minnesota!
🎒 Rep Your Team with a Custom HEDi-PACK
Choose your country patch, add tournament collectibles, and carry your World Juniors experience everywhere. Limited edition 2026 designs available!
BUILD YOUR PACK NOW →📋 How the Pool Format Works
Understanding the tournament structure helps you follow every crucial game
Preliminary Round
Each team plays all 4 opponents in their pool (4 games per team). Round-robin format with standings based on points.
Top 4 Advance
The top 4 teams from each pool qualify for quarterfinals. 5th place teams play relegation game.
Crossover Quarterfinals
Pool A teams face Pool B opponents: 1A vs 4B, 2A vs 3B, 1B vs 4A, 2B vs 3A. Single elimination starts.
Medal Round
Quarterfinal winners advance to semifinals (Jan 4), then bronze medal game and gold medal game (Jan 5).
⚠️ Relegation Game (January 2)
The 5th place team from Pool A faces the 5th place team from Pool B. The loser is demoted to Division I for the 2027 tournament and replaced by the Division I champion. Stakes are high for teams finishing 5th in preliminary play!
⚖️ Pool A vs Pool B: Quick Comparison
| Category | Pool A (St. Paul) | Pool B (Minneapolis) |
|---|---|---|
| Venue | Grand Casino Arena (NHL) | 3M Arena at Mariucci (College) |
| Capacity | 17,954 | 10,000 |
| Featured Team | 🇺🇸 USA (Defending Champs) | 🇨🇦 Canada (20 Gold Medals) |
| 2025 Medalists | 1 (USA - Gold) | 2 (Finland - Silver, Czechia - Bronze) |
| Playoff Games | 2 QFs + 2 SFs + Bronze + Gold = 6 games | 2 QFs + Relegation = 3 games |
| Preliminary Games | 10 games (Dec 26-31) | 10 games (Dec 26-31) |
| Distance Between | 8 miles | 15 min drive | METRO Green Line connects both | |
| Atmosphere | Big-arena NHL playoff intensity | Intimate college hockey passion |
🏒 Commemorate Every Pool Game
Exclusive World Juniors 2026 patches for each participating nation. Only 1,000 collectible patches made—pre-order now before they're gone!
SHOP LIMITED EDITION PATCHES →🔍 Storylines to Follow in Each Pool
Pool A Stories
- • USA's Three-Peat Quest: Can they win a third straight gold on home ice?
- • Sweden's Revenge: Fourth place in 2025—can they medal in Minnesota?
- • Switzerland Rising: Consistent top-10 program looking for breakthrough
- • Slovakia's Upset Potential: Known for causing problems for bigger nations
Pool B Stories
- • Canada's Redemption: Back-to-back 5th place finishes—pressure is on
- • Finland's Core Returns: 14 players back from silver medal team
- • Czechia Defending Bronze: Can they climb to gold this time?
- • Denmark's Return: First WJC appearance since 2019—Cinderella story?
🚊 Attending Games at Both Venues?
METRO Green Line
Direct light rail between both arenas
St. Paul: Central Station stop
Minneapolis: Stadium Village stop
Travel Time: ~25 minutes
Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
By Car
8 miles between venues via I-94
Drive Time: 15-20 minutes (traffic dependent)
Parking: Available at both arenas
Pro Tip: Use light rail during peak times to avoid parking hassles
💡 Many fans attend games at BOTH venues on the same day! Check the complete schedule for double-header opportunities.
🎉 Commemorate the 50th Anniversary Tournament
Limited edition World Juniors 2026 backpacks and patches. Show your team pride and carry this historic moment with you forever!
SHOP THE COLLECTION →⚡ Official Bold North Breakaway Exhibitor | Only 1,000 collectible patches made
Official Bold North Breakaway Exhibitor | HEDi Gear creates authentic tournament collectibles
Pool standings and seedings based on 2025 World Junior Championship results
