How to Watch the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championships Online: USA vs. Finland

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The IIHF World Junior Championships are entering the quarterfinal stage, as reigning champs Team USA look to get things back on track after falling 6-3 to Sweden. At the quarterfinals, Sweden will face Latvia, Czechia will face Switzerland, the U.S. will face Finland, and Canada will play Slovakia. The quarterfinal matches will take place on Jan. 2, ahead of the semifinals on Jan. 4 and the finals on Jan. 5.

At a Glance: How to Watch IIHF World Junior Championship: USA vs. Finland

  • Channel: NHL Network (US), TSN (Canada)
  • Streaming: DirecTV, Fubo, Sling
  • USA vs. Finland, Date, Time: Jan. 2, 6 p.m. ET
  • Tournament Dates: Dec. 26 – Jan. 5

Draft-eligible players are contending, as NHL teams look to the next generation of potential stars. One of the most notable names is Gavin McKenna, the 18-year-old forward who is looking to lead Team Canada to its 21st title.

Top U.S. talent includes James Hagens, the 19-year-old center. Star winger Trevor Connelly was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury.

How to Watch USA vs. Finland IIHF Quarterfinals

If you’re looking to catch the tournament live, it airs on NHL Network in the U.S. and TSN in Canada. Team USA will face Finland on Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. If history is any indication, the U.S. vs. Finland matchup will be a hotly contested one — the two teams have been nearly evenly matched in their 40 previous meetings, with Team USA leading 20-19-1.

Here’s where you can watch the IIHF World Junior Championships if you don’t have cable, including options with free trials.

How to Watch 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Quarterfinals Online Free

DirecTV

DirecTV carries the NHL Network in its Ultimate and Premier packages. DirecTV Stream also offers a five-day free trial. Alternatively, you can sign up for the MySports Genre Pack, which includes NHL Network, plus other networks that carry hockey, like ESPN Unlimited and TNT.


How to Watch 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Quarterfinals Online Free

Fubo

NHL Network is offered in a variety of Fubo packages. You can get NHL Network with the Sports Plus, Sports Lite, or Fubo Plus packages. It’s also available with Fubo’s Elite plan. Fubo also offers a five-day free trial, plus a discount on your first month.


How to Watch 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Quarterfinals Online Free

Sling

NHL Network is available with Sling’s Select plan with the Sports Extra package. Sling is more affordable than other live streaming services, but it does not offer a free trial.


2026 World Junior Championship Schedule

You can check out the full breakdown of the World Junior Championship Schedule below. All times are in ET. All matches are airing on NHL Network and TSN, except where noted.

Jan. 2

Germany vs. Denmark (Relegation game), 3M Arena; 12:30 p.m.
Sweden vs. Latvia, Grand Casino Arena; 2 p.m.
Czechia vs. Switzerland, 3M Arena; 4:30 p.m.
USA vs. Finland, Grand Casino Arena; 6 p.m.
Canada vs. Slovakia, 3M Arena; 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 (Grand Casino Arena)

Semifinal 1; 4:30 p.m.
Semifinal 2; 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 5 (Grand Casino Arena)

Third-place game; 4:30 p.m.
Championship game; 8:30 p.m.

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