The Norwegians are celebrating exuberantly. © ANSA / PETER SCHNEIDER

Norway continues to write its World Cup fairytale

On Monday, the Norwegians defeated the Czech Republic at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland and are in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2012.

25 May 2026

From: dpa/tu

Norway continues to make history at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland. After their surprising victory against Sweden, the Scandinavians followed up with another win against the Czech Republic on Monday, beating them 4-1. This puts the underdog in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2012.

For Norway, this is already one of the most successful World Championships in their history. Against the Czech Republic, they achieved only their second ever World Championship victory – and for the first time, Norway scored four goals against the ice hockey powerhouse. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard was particularly impressive, contributing two goals. Havard Salsten and Martin Ronnild scored the other two goals for the Scandinavians, while Jaroslav Chmelar scored the Czech Republic's consolation goal, making it 2-1 at the time.

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (center) scored two goals. © ANSA / PETER SCNEIDER

Ahead of their final group match against Denmark, Norway could even secure second place in the group. At the same time, this success puts Sweden under further pressure: the ten-time world champions absolutely must win against Slovakia on Tuesday to avoid an early exit from the World Championship.

The USA lives

Meanwhile, the USA kept their quarterfinal hopes alive at the Ice Hockey World Championship. The US team defeated Hungary 7-3 in Group A and would advance with a regulation-time win against Austria on Tuesday. Matthew Tkachuk shone with two goals and two assists, while Tommy Novak tallied five assists.