photo: © International Ice Hockey Federation / Tim Austen
It's semi-final time at the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship, which means two exciting games on Sunday afternoon and evening. Here's a quick preview of the two matchups in Herning.
USA – Finland in Herning (Sunday 15 November at 15:00)
14 goals and 85 shots. Okay, Denmark were the underdogs on Friday, but even so, what the favourites delivered in their quarter-final was impressive. It was another statement performance from the USA, who have been absolutely dominant so far.
But watch out for Finland. All four lines contributed to the quarter-final victory over the fast-charging Germans. Finland played a disciplined, sharp and efficient game, winning 6-0.
The big question, of course, is whether the Finns can withstand the relentless pressure that the Americans will put them under from the very first minute.
Canada – Sweden in Herning (Sunday 15 November at 19:00)
Canada remain unbeaten in the tournament, but they had to work hard for it in their quarter-final against Czechia, eventually winning 3-2. The Canadians won the first meeting with Sweden 5-1 and are naturally favourites going into this semi-final as well.
But Sweden looked solid in their quarter-final against Switzerland. They were the team taking most of the initiative and probably deserved to score more goals. In the end, Sara Hjalmarsson was their only goalscorer, and it will be players like her and the fearless Thea Johansson who will have to challenge a strong Canadian team.
USA – Finland in Herning (Sunday 15 November at 15:00)
14 goals and 85 shots. Okay, Denmark were the underdogs on Friday, but even so, what the favourites delivered in their quarter-final was impressive. It was another statement performance from the USA, who have been absolutely dominant so far.
But watch out for Finland. All four lines contributed to the quarter-final victory over the fast-charging Germans. Finland played a disciplined, sharp and efficient game, winning 6-0.
The big question, of course, is whether the Finns can withstand the relentless pressure that the Americans will put them under from the very first minute.
Canada – Sweden in Herning (Sunday 15 November at 19:00)
Canada remain unbeaten in the tournament, but they had to work hard for it in their quarter-final against Czechia, eventually winning 3-2. The Canadians won the first meeting with Sweden 5-1 and are naturally favourites going into this semi-final as well.
But Sweden looked solid in their quarter-final against Switzerland. They were the team taking most of the initiative and probably deserved to score more goals. In the end, Sara Hjalmarsson was their only goalscorer, and it will be players like her and the fearless Thea Johansson who will have to challenge a strong Canadian team.