Surprise: Not Canada, but Finland in the World Cup final

Only two games remain at this year's Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland – the final and the bronze medal game. Switzerland and Finland will face each other in the final.

30 May 2026

From: mv

Contrary to expectations, Finland prevailed against Canada in the second semifinal on Saturday evening. The Scandinavians won 4-2 and will join Switzerland in the World Championship final. The Swiss had already defeated Norway on Saturday afternoon. a crystal-clear 6-0 victory retracted.

In the evening game, the Finns took an early lead through Patrik Puistola. However, the Canadians remained unfazed and turned the game around: Robert Thomas and Dylan Holloway transformed the deficit into a 2-1 lead. The decisive moment came in the second period, where the Scandinavians struck three times. After Aleksander Barkov's equalizer, the 20-year-old Konsta Helenius first put Finland back in front, before Aatu Raty extended the lead to 4-2 shortly afterward.

Canada too harmless

The Canadians put on a very weak performance in the second period – a meager three shots on goal are proof of that. In the final period, the Finns focused on defense – successfully. The North Americans repeatedly found Nashville goalie Justus Annunen unbeatable. Rookie Macklin Celebrini and Josh Tavares had the best chances, but Annunen thwarted them all.

Canadian legend Sidney Crosby wore his disappointment on his face. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

Finland and Switzerland will play for the World Championship title on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. It would be the first ever triumph for the Swiss, while the Finns could return to the top spot for the first time since 2022 – a thrilling match is guaranteed. Earlier that day, at 3:30 p.m., Canada and Norway will battle for the bronze medal; the loser will go home empty-handed.

Ice Hockey World Championship, Semi-final

Canada – Finland 2:4
Goals: 0:1 Puistola (3.30), 1:1 Thomas (8.17), 2:1 Holloway (14.26), 2:2 Barkov (20.49), 2:3 Helenius (31.28), 2:4 Raty (32.50)

Keywords hockey Ice Hockey World Championship Finland Canada