The 10-team field is divided into two groups of five. Every team plays every other team in its group once in round-robin play. The top four teams from each group advance to single-elimination bracket play. The gold medal game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, at Grand Casino Arena.

The Sporting News is tracking updated scores and results for the IIHF World Junior hockey games on December 26.

The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship opens Friday, and for Dallas Stars fans, the annual holiday tournament offers far more than high-stakes international hockey. It provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate some of the organization’s most promising young players as they compete against the best under-20 talent in the world.

Six Flyers prospects have been named to represent their respective national teams at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Your guide to the 2026 World Junior pre-tournament, with information on key battles, game schedule, and where to watch.

The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship opens Friday, and for Winnipeg Jets fans, the annual holiday tournament offers more than just high-stakes international hockey. It provides a valuable look at some of the organization’s most promising young players as they test themselves against the best under-20 talent in the world.

Eklund, selected with the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders, had six points (two goals, four assists) in seven games at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship and won bronze with Sweden at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, scoring six points (four goals, two assists).

The world junior championship is a marquee event on the hockey calendar, with NHL fans turning their attention to the future of the game and their favorite team's prospects while rooting for their national team.