U.S. Women's Curling Team Defeats Canada in Olympic First

The American squad pulls off a surprise victory over the world's top-ranked team.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The U.S. women's curling team made history on Friday by defeating Canada's powerhouse squad, 9-8, in a nail-biting match. This marks the first time the American women have ever beaten the Canadian team, which has medaled in every Winter Olympics since curling was added to the program in 1998.

Why it matters

Canada's Team Homan has long been considered the best women's curling team in the world, making the U.S. victory a major upset. This result not only boosts the American team's confidence, but also shakes up the Olympic curling standings and sets the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.

The details

The U.S. team, which includes skip Tabitha Peterson, her sister Tara Peterson, Taylor Anderson-Heide, Cory Thiesse, and alternate Aileen Geving, was able to capitalize on some uncharacteristic mistakes by the Canadian squad. After the win, the Americans celebrated by walking together down the ice and raising their fists in triumph.

  • The match took place on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • Curling has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1998.

The players

Tabitha Peterson

The skip of the U.S. women's curling team.

Tara Peterson

Tabitha's younger sister and a member of the U.S. women's curling team.

Taylor Anderson-Heide

A Minneapolis native and member of the U.S. women's curling team.

Cory Thiesse

A member of the U.S. women's curling team who has already won a silver medal in the mixed doubles event.

Rachel Homan

The skip of the Canadian women's curling team, which has long been considered the best in the world.

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What they’re saying

“If that's true, I think we just played a really good game. They're No. 1 in the world.”

— Taylor Anderson-Heide (CBS News Minnesota)

“It just always feels really good to beat (Canada skip) Rachel Homan. So any team to beat them, that's pretty impressive.”

— Tara Peterson (CBS News Minnesota)

“Apparently, we've never beat them in the Olympics before. That makes it just extra special.”

— Tara Peterson (CBS News Minnesota)

What’s next

The U.S. women's curling team has several matches left in the round-robin before the semifinals next Friday. They are currently 2-1 after Friday's match, with a win against Korea and a loss to Sweden.

The takeaway

The U.S. women's curling team's historic victory over the world's top-ranked Canadian squad not only boosts their confidence, but also shakes up the Olympic curling standings and sets the stage for an exciting tournament ahead. This result proves that the American team, which includes several mothers and professionals outside of curling, can compete with the best in the world.