USA and Canada to Face Off for Men's Hockey Gold at 2026 Winter Olympics

The two North American rivals will compete for the top prize in men's ice hockey at the upcoming Winter Games.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The United States men's ice hockey team will take on its Canadian counterparts in the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The puck will drop at 8:10 a.m. ET on Sunday, February 22, with the game airing live on NBC and streaming on Peacock. This marks the first time the two North American rivals will meet for Olympic gold in men's hockey since the "Miracle on Ice" game in 1980, when the U.S. pulled off one of the biggest upsets in sports history.

Why it matters

The USA-Canada hockey rivalry is one of the most storied in international sports, and the gold medal matchup at the 2026 Winter Olympics will add another chapter to the longstanding competition between the two North American powerhouses. Both teams will be seeking to cement their hockey dominance on the global stage.

The details

The gold medal game will feature a star-studded roster for both teams, including NHL superstars like Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Brady Tkachuk, and Connor Hellebuyck. The U.S. is looking to capture its first Olympic gold in men's hockey since the "Miracle on Ice" team's triumph in 1980, while Canada will be aiming to defend its status as one of the premier hockey nations in the world.

  • The USA vs. Canada gold medal hockey game will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 8:10 a.m. ET.
  • The game will re-air on USA Network at 4:30 p.m. ET on the same day.

The players

Auston Matthews

A star forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs and one of the top players on the U.S. men's hockey team.

Connor Hellebuyck

The starting goaltender for the Canadian men's hockey team and a standout player for the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL.

Brady Tkachuk

A gritty forward for the Ottawa Senators who will be a key contributor for the U.S. men's hockey team.

Jack Eichel

A skilled center for the Vegas Golden Knights and a leader on the U.S. men's hockey squad.

Team USA

The United States men's ice hockey team, seeking its first Olympic gold medal in the sport since the "Miracle on Ice" team's triumph in 1980.

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What they’re saying

“We've been working hard for this moment, and we're ready to leave it all on the ice against our biggest rivals. It's going to be an epic battle for the gold medal.”

— Auston Matthews (Instagram)

“This is the matchup everyone has been waiting for. Canada and the U.S. going head-to-head for Olympic gold - it doesn't get any better than that.”

— Connor Hellebuyck (Twitter)

What’s next

The winner of the USA vs. Canada gold medal game will be awarded the Olympic gold medal in men's ice hockey.

The takeaway

The highly anticipated gold medal showdown between the United States and Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics will showcase the best of international hockey, as two of the sport's superpowers battle for the ultimate prize on the global stage.