Switzerland is mourning again: USA are world champions!

The USA are ice hockey world champions for the first time since 1933. The North American NHL stars pulled off the coup in a highly dramatic final, including overtime. Switzerland, on the other hand, plunged into the valley of tears.

25 May 2025

From: fop/dpa

A goal by Tage Thompson in overtime secured the ice hockey crown for coach Ryan Warsofsky's team in Stockholm with a 1-0 win against Switzerland.

In 1960, the US Olympic victory was also considered a World Cup victory, but since then, the North Americans have never reached the top again. Their dry spell is now over. Switzerland, on the other hand, suffered its fourth final defeat after 2013, 2018, and 2024 and is still waiting for its first World Cup title.

Fourth final defeat for Switzerland

The Swiss strolled easily into the final against Austria (6-0) and Denmark (7-0). The US team, with its many young NHL stars, were a different caliber, however. Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres and Co. put a lot of pressure on the Swiss. Goalkeeper Leonardo Genoni had to show off his skills several times and saved his team from an early deficit.

"Our goalkeeper was there for us," Swiss Timo Meier praised his 37-year-old goalie in a halftime interview. "We have to do a better job now."

Genoni, always Genoni

The Swiss were unable to contain the nimble Americans in the middle period either. Genoni kept his team in the game: The EV Zug goalkeeper saved a penalty shot by Conor Garland of the Vancouver Canucks (26th minute). Even shorthanded, the USA had better chances than their opponents. Memories of last year's final in Prague, when the Swiss failed to capitalize on their chances, losing 0-2 to the Czech Republic, were reawakened.

Swiss legend Andres Ambühl (center) played the final game of his career. He has competed in 20 World Cups. © ANSA / SALVATORE DI NOLFI

The Swiss team grew increasingly nervous. The Americans, the youngest World Cup team with an average age of 24, repeatedly created good opportunities. Veteran Genoni drove his opponents to despair with his reflexes and saves – until the 63rd minute, when Thompson scored in three-on-three overtime, breaking the deadlock for the Americans. Many tears flowed from the Swiss, with their record-breaking veteran Andres Ambühl ending his career.