Team Canada dominates at 4 Nations Face-Off, leaving USA with work to do

The margin between the two North American rivals was once razor-thin, but Canada has emerged as the clear favorite for Olympic gold.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The United States and Canada were once evenly matched in international hockey, with the two nations trading victories in recent tournaments. However, after the group stage of the 4 Nations Face-Off, it's clear that Team Canada has pulled ahead and established itself as the team to beat for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics gold medal, leaving the USA with work to do to catch up.

Why it matters

The 4 Nations Face-Off is a key tune-up event ahead of the 2026 Olympics, where NHL players will be competing for the first time since 2014. Canada's dominant performance has sent a strong message that they are the favorites, while the USA must now find a way to raise their level of play to challenge their North American rivals.

The details

Through the first three games of the 4 Nations Face-Off, Team Canada has looked unstoppable, leaving little doubt that they are the team to beat heading into the 2026 Olympics. In contrast, the United States, who were runners-up to Canada around this time last year, have work to do to close the gap and mount a serious challenge for the gold medal.

  • The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament is taking place in the lead-up to the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
  • The USA and Canada faced off in a championship game and earlier meeting during the tournament, with each team taking one victory.

The players

Team Canada

The Canadian national ice hockey team, which has emerged as the clear favorite for Olympic gold in 2026 after a dominant performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

Team USA

The United States national ice hockey team, which was once evenly matched with Canada but now has work to do to raise its level of play and challenge its North American rival for Olympic gold.

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What’s next

The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, where NHL players will be competing for the first time since 2014, will be the next major test for both Team Canada and Team USA to determine which nation is truly the best in international hockey.

The takeaway

Canada's dominant performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off has sent a clear message that they are the team to beat for Olympic gold in 2026, leaving the USA with work to do to close the gap and mount a serious challenge for the top prize in international hockey.