Sweden's Curling Team Eliminated from Olympics

Lag Edin's dominant run ends with disappointing 3-7 record in Milano/Cortina

Feb. 16, 2026 at 10:47pm

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The Swedish curling team, led by veteran skip Niklas Edin, failed to reach the playoffs at the recent Olympic Games in Milano/Cortina. After winning gold in 2022, the team struggled throughout the tournament, winning only one of six matches and finishing with a 3-7 record - a significant drop-off from their usual high standards.

Why it matters

Edin's team has been a consistent medal contender on the international stage, making this Olympic performance a shocking upset. The loss raises questions about the future of the Swedish curling program and Edin's potential retirement after over a decade as the country's top skip.

The details

Experts noted a clear dip in Lag Edin's performance, with uncharacteristic errors from the usually dominant squad. The decisive loss against Germany eliminated any remaining chance of reaching the semi-finals. This marks a major setback for a team that has consistently ranked among the world's best in recent years.

  • The 2026 Olympics in Milan/Cortina may be Niklas Edin's last as he has hinted at retirement.
  • Lag Edin's next major competition will be the World Championships in Ogden, Utah in 2026.

The players

Niklas Edin

The longtime skip of the Swedish curling team, Edin is the first and only skip in World Curling Federation history to win three Olympic medals - gold (2022), silver (2018), and bronze (2014).

Rasmus Wranå

A member of Lag Edin, Wranå won gold in mixed doubles at the 2026 Olympics with his sister Isabella, offering a glimmer of hope for the future of Swedish curling.

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What they’re saying

“The team's level was 'not even close' to their usual standard.”

— Eva Lund, SVT Commentator

“The 2026 Olympics might be my last, viewing any further participation as a 'bonus'.”

— Niklas Edin

What’s next

The Swedish team will aim to secure their eighth world title at the World Championships in Ogden, Utah in 2026, which will be crucial for assessing their progress and identifying areas for improvement.

The takeaway

This Olympic performance by Lag Edin highlights the increasing competitiveness of international curling, with nations like Norway, Italy, and the Netherlands emerging as strong contenders and challenging the traditional dominance of curling powers like Sweden and Canada.