Sweden advanced to the quarterfinals. © ANSA / ANTHONY ANEX

Sweden in the quarterfinals – Germany and Austria out

Like the USA at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland, ten-time world champion Sweden only just managed to reach the quarter-finals at the last minute.

26 May 2026

From: leo/dpa/apa

While the Americans secured a place in the top four in Group A on Tuesday with a 4-1 victory over Austria, the Swedes achieved the same feat in Freiburg in Pool B with a 4-2 win against Slovakia – also against a direct competitor. The Slovaks had won their first four matches, but that wasn't enough.

This meant that the eight quarterfinalists were already determined before Tuesday evening's matches, but only one of the four knockout stage pairings was set: This pairing, a rematch of the Olympic final between Canada and the USA, is a tough one. Switzerland, Finland, and Latvia completed the field in Group A. The Czech Republic, Canada, and surprise team Norway secured their quarterfinal berths in Group B.

Roger Bader drew a positive conclusion. © ANSA / ANDREAS BECKER

Austria coach Roger Bader heaped praise on his team. "With all the absences, especially at center, we were worried we might have serious problems staying in the top division. The way the team developed during the preparation, the way they fought so hard, that deserves high praise," the Swiss coach summarized. He also called for realism. "I want to emphasize that with nine points, this is the second-best World Championship in the last 20 years."

Wound licking in Germany

Germany, meanwhile, has been eliminated after the group stage once again. Latvia's 8-1 victory over Hungary on Tuesday left Harold Kreis's team with no chance of reaching the quarterfinals. Following the US's 4-1 win over Austria, the German team finished fifth in Group A. An analysis will determine whether the World Cup will have any impact on Kreis's future. The 2027 World Cup will take place in Mannheim and Düsseldorf, with the opening match being held at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.