Matt Dunstone Leads Canada to Strong Start at World Curling Championship

Winnipeg skip dominates early matches, aiming to end Canada's men's title drought

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:49am

Winnipeg's Matt Dunstone is making an impressive debut at the 2026 World Men's Curling Championship, securing back-to-back victories against South Korea and Italy. Dunstone's team, fresh off a historic Brier win, showcased their strategic prowess and ability to capitalize on opponent errors, setting the stage for a potential championship run.

Why it matters

Canada hasn't won the men's world curling title since 2017, adding extra pressure on Dunstone and his team to perform. Their strong start has raised hopes that they can end the country's championship drought and bring the trophy back home.

The details

Dunstone's opening 5-2 win against South Korea and decisive 9-2 victory over Italy demonstrated the team's precision and dominance on the ice. The Winnipeg skip's strategic play and the team's ability to steal points have been key factors in their early success.

  • Dunstone's team defeated South Korea 5-2 in their opening match.
  • In their second game, Dunstone's squad crushed Italy 9-2 in just six ends.

The players

Matt Dunstone

The skip of the Canadian curling team, making his debut at the World Men's Curling Championship after winning the 2026 Brier.

Ryan Harnden

The lead for the Canadian team, a veteran of three world championships who emphasizes the importance of patience and adapting to ice conditions.

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What they’re saying

“We must maintain our focus and adapt to the varying ice conditions. Experience will be key to our success in this tournament.”

— Ryan Harnden, Lead, Canadian Curling Team

What’s next

Dunstone's team will face Scotland in their next round-robin match, a crucial test against a formidable opponent. The ability to maintain momentum and adapt to different playing styles will be key to their continued success.

The takeaway

Dunstone's dominant start at the World Men's Curling Championship has reignited Canada's hopes of ending their men's title drought. The team's strategic play, precision, and ability to capitalize on opponent errors have made them a force to be reckoned with in the early stages of the tournament.