The United States captured its second consecutive World Juniors title a year ago, defeating Finland in overtime after Canada was eliminated on home ice in the quarterfinals. Is a three-peat in the cards this year?
The U.S. begins its World Juniors journey against Germany on Friday, with the action taking place on American ice this time around. St. Paul hosts the tournament for the first time since 1982.
STREAM: Watch the 2026 World Juniors with FuboTV, which offers a free trial
The standard for the Americans was set Sunday, when they steamrolled Germany 8-0 in an exhibition game ahead of the tournament. The stakes are much higher for the second meeting between the two teams, and the pressure will be on Germany to learn from that defeat and try to hang with the reigning champions.
The Sporting News is tracking live updates and highlights from the 2026 World Juniors game between the United States and Germany. Follow along below as the U.S. plays its first game of the tournament.
MORE: How to buy 2026 World Juniors tickets
USA vs. Germany score
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
| USA | ||||
| Germany |
USA vs. Germany live updates, highlights from 2026 World Juniors
All times Eastern.
5:20 p.m. — Here’s an early look at USA’s lines for its World Juniors opener.
Get your lines here! 📢 #WorldJuniors
Game Preview: https://t.co/JxAeiDPhcI pic.twitter.com/7NUH0UDI9P
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) December 26, 2025
5:15 p.m. — Sweden opened the World Juniors with a win over Slovakia. The U.S. is hoping to join the win column against Germany this evening.
Sweden opens up the World Juniors with a win! 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/Ggbfpu0bH1
— theScore (@theScore) December 26, 2025
What channel is USA vs. Germany on today?
- TV channels: NHL Network (U.S.) | TSN (Canada)
- Live stream: Fubo (U.S.) | TSN app (Canada)
USA vs. Germany will air on NHL Network in the United States and on TSN in Canada.
U.S. viewers can also stream the game on Fubo, which offers a free trial, or the TSN app in Canada.
USA vs. Germany start time
- Date: Thursday, Dec. 26
- Time: 6 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. CT
USA and Germany will battle at 6 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 26 from Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Friday’s contest is the first of the tournament for both the United States and Germany.
2026 World Juniors schedule
Friday, Dec. 26
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Sweden vs. Slovakia | 1:00 p.m. |
| Denmark vs. Finland | 3:30 p.m. |
| United States vs. Germany | 6:00 p.m. |
| Canada vs. Czechia | 8:30 p.m. |
Saturday, Dec. 27
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Slovakia vs. Germany | 2:00 p.m. |
| Latvia vs. Canada | 4:30 p.m. |
| United States vs. Switzerland | 6:00 p.m. |
| Denmark vs. Czechia | 8:30 p.m. |
Sunday, Dec. 28
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Sweden vs. Switzerland | 2:00 p.m. |
| Finland vs. Latvia | 4:30 p.m. |
Monday, Dec. 29
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Germany vs. Sweden | 1:00 p.m. |
| Finland vs. Czechia | 3:30 p.m. |
| Slovakia vs. United States | 6:00 p.m. |
| Canada vs. Denmark | 8:30 p.m. |
Tuesday, Dec. 30
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Switzerland vs. Germany | 2:00 p.m. |
| Latvia vs. Denmark | 4:30 p.m. |
Wednesday, Dec. 31
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Switzerland vs. Slovakia | 1:00 p.m. |
| Czechia vs. Latvia | 3:30 p.m. |
| United States vs. Sweden | 6:00 p.m. |
| Canada vs. Finland | 8:30 p.m. |
Friday, Jan. 2 (Playoffs: Quarterfinals & Relegation)
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Relegation Game (5th A vs. 5th B) | 12:30 p.m. |
| Quarterfinal 1 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Quarterfinal 2 | 4:30 p.m. |
| Quarterfinal 3 | 6:00 p.m. |
| Quarterfinal 4 | 8:30 p.m. |
Sunday, Jan. 4
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Semifinal 1 | 4:30 p.m. |
| Semifinal 2 | 8:30 p.m. |
Monday, Jan. 5
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Bronze Medal Game | 4:30 p.m. |
| Gold Medal Game | 8:30 p.m. |
