Swiss Curling Team Upsets Canada to Win World Championship

Kerri Einarson's silver medal highlights a changing of the guard in women's curling

Mar. 23, 2026 at 5:12am

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Kerri Einarson's Canadian curling team won the silver medal at the 2026 World Women's Curling Championship, losing to a young Swiss team with an average age of just 22.5. The Swiss victory, powered by their precision shooting and strategic innovation, signals a potential shift in the balance of power in women's curling, raising questions about the future of Canadian dominance in the sport.

Why it matters

The rise of younger, technically-skilled teams like the Swiss is challenging the established order in women's curling, forcing traditional powerhouses like Canada to re-evaluate their approach to talent development and player performance optimization. This increased competitive balance is positive for the sport, fostering greater fan engagement and media coverage.

The details

Switzerland's triumph over four-time world champion Silvana Tirinzoni to reach the final underscores the growing trend of highly skilled, younger teams disrupting the curling hierarchy. The Swiss team's precision, particularly the 99% shooting accuracy of second Fabienne Rieder, demonstrates a commitment to technical excellence and strategic innovation that is becoming crucial at the elite level.

  • The 2026 World Women's Curling Championship final took place in March 2026.
  • The upcoming Men's World Championship in Ogden, Utah will be held in 2026.

The players

Kerri Einarson

The skip of the Canadian curling team that won the silver medal at the 2026 World Women's Curling Championship.

Fabienne Rieder

The second on the Swiss curling team that won the 2026 World Women's Curling Championship, known for her 99% shooting accuracy.

Silvana Tirinzoni

A four-time world champion curler who was defeated by the young Swiss team in the lead-up to the 2026 World Women's Curling Championship final.

Matt Dunstone

The skip of the Canadian men's curling team that will represent Canada at the upcoming 2026 Men's World Championship in Ogden, Utah.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The upcoming Men's World Championship in Ogden, Utah, featuring Matt Dunstone representing Canada, will provide another crucial test for the nation's curling prowess.

The takeaway

The silver medal for Kerri Einarson's Canadian team highlights a changing of the guard in women's curling, with younger, technically-skilled teams like Switzerland challenging the established powers. This increased competitive balance is positive for the sport, but also presents a wake-up call for Canada to invest in developing the next generation of curling talent to maintain their dominance.