Sweden rallied with a dominant third period to defeat Switzerland 4–2 on Dec. 28 at Grand Casino Arena, tightening the Group A race at the 2026 World Junior Championship. 

The Swedes erased a one-goal deficit with three unanswered goals in the final frame, continuing their strong early tournament form.

• Watch Elite Junior And College Hockey All Season On FloHockey
• World Juniors: USA Escaped Switzerland By A Goal After Back And Forth Slog
• World Juniors Notebook: Canada Got By On Talent, Sweden's Nasty Power Play
• Follow FloHockey's Coverage Of The 2026 World Junior Championship

Sweden struck quickly, opening the scoring just 53 seconds into the game when Eric Nilson finished a feed from Leo Sahlin Wallenius. Switzerland weathered the early pressure and found an equalizer midway through the first period, as Beni Waidacher capitalized on sustained zone time to make it 1–1. 

The Swiss carried that momentum into the second period and took their first lead late in the frame when Lars Steiner buried a chance created by Daniil Ustinkov and Leon Muggli, giving Switzerland a 2–1 advantage heading into intermission.

The third period belonged entirely to Sweden. Viggo Bjorck tied the game just 57 seconds in, setting the tone for a relentless push. Lucas Pettersson then put Sweden ahead midway through the period before sealing the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute. Switzerland pressed late with the goaltender pulled, but Sweden’s composure closed out the comeback victory.

With the win, Sweden strengthens its position near the top of Group A, while Switzerland is left to regroup after another competitive but ultimately frustrating result.

Sweden vs. Switzerland Score World Juniors: SWE 4-2 SUI

Scoring Summary

1st Period

• 00:53 — (SWE) Eric Nilson, assisted by Leo Sahlin Wallenius
• 14:27 — (SUI) Beni Waidacher, assisted by Leon Muggli and Daniil Ustinkov

2nd Period

• 38:22 — (SUI) Lars Steiner, assisted by Daniil Ustinkov and Leon Muggli

3rd Period

• 40:57 — (SWE) Viggo Bjorck, assisted by Alfons Freij and Anton Frondell
• 46:28 — (SWE) Lucas Pettersson, assisted by Liam Danielsson and Eric Nilson
• 59:13 — (SWE) Lucas Pettersson, assisted by Ivar Stenberg

Game Stats

• Shots On Goal: SWE 20 - 23 SUI
• Saves: SWE 21 - 19 SUI
• PIM: SWE 4 - 10 SUI

End Of Game: Sweden Wins By Two

Sweden comes back from a 1-2 deficit with three goals in the third period to earn a 4-2 victory over Switzerland.

Sweden Strengthens Lead - 59:13 3rd

Sweden 4 - 2 Switzerland

With less than a minute left in the game, Sweden finds their fourth goal. 

Taking the puck from half ice, Sweden scores through Lucas Pettersson from mid range on a wide open goal.

Switzerland Goaltender Is Out Again - 59:05 3rd

Sweden 3 - 2 Switzerland

Elijah Neuenschwander is out again.

Switzerland Goaltender Is Out - 58:15 3rd

Sweden 3 - 2 Switzerland

Sweden holds the lead, and Switzerland's goalkeeper Elijah Neuenschwander spends nearly thirty seconds away from the goal.

In his time out, Sweden wasn't able to convert. 

SWE Penalty For Tripping - 48:48 3rd

Sweden 3 - 2 Switzerland

William Hakansson is given a penalty for tripping. 

Third Goal For Sweden - 46:28 3rd

Sweden 3 - 2 Switzerland

Sweden returns to the lead.

Lucas Pettersson scores from an assist across the front of the goal. 

This bit of momentum may just carry Sweden, though Switzerland has plenty of time to interrupt. 

Sweden Ties The Game - 40:57 3rd

Sweden 2 - 2 Switzerland

Within the first minute of the third period, Viggo Bjorck scores for Sweden off an Anton Frondell assist.

Sweden has done a great job of stunning Switzerland right out the gate. Now they look to build enough momentum to find the lead.

End Of Second Period: Switzerland Leads By One

Sweden 1 - 2 Switzerland

Switzerland keeps chipping away. They have stayed calm and capitalized on good opportunities. Yesterday, fans saw what they were made of in their game against the USA, and today they continue that trend.

Despite coming out hot, Sweden hasn't found a goal since the first minute. They look to make this final period count.

SUI Penalty For Holding - 38:56 2nd

Sweden 1 - 2 Switzerland

Jonah Neuenschwader is given a penalty for holding.

Switzerland Takes The Lead - 38:22 2nd

Sweden 1 - 2 Switzerland

Switzerland notches another goal through Lars Steiner, assisted by Leon Muggli. 

With the lead in hand, Switzerland now must work on keeping it.

Double Penalty For Unsportsmanlike Conduct - 37:21 2nd

Sweden 1 - 1 Switzerland

William Hakansson of Sweden and Mike Aeschlimann of Switzerland both face penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct. 

SUI Penalty For Interference - 24:26 2nd

Sweden 1 - 1 Switzerland

Switzerland's Leon Muggli is handed a penalty for interference. 

Sweden has yet to convert during a power play. This time they make make a solid attempt, but Switzerland blocks it. 

End Of First Period: All Tied Up

Sweden 1 - 1 Switzerland

The end of the first period leave the game tied.

After Sweden's quick goal in the first 53 seconds of the game, they haven't been able to convert. But that initial shock shows they have the ability to put more points on the board.

Switzerland took some time to find their footing, but they answered with a goal in the 14th minute.

Getting the puck down the ice and towards the goal as quickly as possible, reducing any overwrought sequences, has led to the most success so far.

SWE Called For Holding, SUI Power Play - 17:51 1st

Sweden 1 - 1 Switzerland

Felix Ohrqvist is called for holding, and Switzerland enters a power play. 

Switzerland wasn't able to convert during their advantage.

Switzerland Answers With A Goal - 14:27 1st

Sweden 1 - 1 Switzerland

It's all tied up!

Switzerland has gotten themselves on the board. Beni Waidacher earns his team their first goal.

Sweden came out strong but now are struggling to convert. Switzerland continues to show they wont' back down.

🇨🇭 @SwissIceHockey answers! Great play leads to a goal! #WorldJuniors #IIHF pic.twitter.com/9Dm5QQj1FM

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) December 28, 2025

Another Switzerland Penalty - 9:13 1st

Sweden 1 - 0 Switzerland

Switzerland is given a penalty, Mike Aeschlimann for slashing.

Sweden wasn't able to convert in the last power play, but here is another chance. 

The shots on goal are currently SWE 6 - 3 SUI.

SUI Penalty, SWE Enters Power Play - 3:12 1st

Sweden 1 - 0 Switzerland

Mischa Geisser is given a penalty for tipping, sending Sweden into a power play.

Based off how Sweden came out swinging with tier early score, they will look to make use of this advantage.

Sweden Scores In Just 53 Seconds - 00:53 1st

Sweden 1 - 0 Switzerland

Sweden wastes no time and gets themselves on the board just 53 seconds in!

Eric Nilson finds net off an assist from Leo Sahlin Wallenius.

🇸🇪 @trekronorse wastes no time! First goal on the board in 53 seconds! ⚡ #WorldJuniors #IIHF pic.twitter.com/rNqJtFYhdp

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) December 28, 2025

Puck Has Dropped - 00:00 1st

Sweden vs. Switzerland World Juniors action commences!

How to Watch USA vs Switzerland Hockey World Juniors In Canada, US

All games during 2026 World Juniors tournament will be broadcast live on the NHL Network for viewers in the US. 

The network will air live game telecasts of the World Junior Championships plus analysis, highlights, and interviews about the tournament. Select games will be available on ESPN+.

If you live in Canada, you can watch each game on TSN.

You can also follow along on FloHockey for the latest news throughout the tournament.

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Sweden vs Switzerland World Juniors - 30 Minutes From Puck Drop

🇸🇪 @trekronorse vs @SwissIceHockey 🇨🇭 go head-to-head on the #WorldJuniors stage 🔥 #IIHF pic.twitter.com/dfvNSUtISL

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) December 28, 2025

Top World Juniors Scorers, Scoring Leaders

1. Michael Hage (CAN) — 4 pts
2. Vaclav Nestrasil (CZE) — 4 pts
3. Petr Sikora (CZE) — 4 pts
4. Gavin McKenna (CAN) — 4 pt
5. Tomas Chrenko (SVK) — 3 pts

Switzerland U20 Projected Lines Today vs Sweden

Forwards

• Jamiro Reber – Jonah Neuenschwander – Loris Wey (A)
• Robin Antenen – Joel Grossniklaus – Lars Steiner
• Mike Aeschlimann – Paul Mottard – Cyrill Henry
• Nathan Borradori – Beni Waidacher – Nolan Cattin
• Kimi Körbler

Defense

• Daniil Ustinkov – Leon Muggli (C)
• Ludvig Johnson – Basile Sansonnens
• Niklas Blessing – Gian Meier (A)
• Mischa Geisser

Goalies

• Elijah Neuenschwander
• Christian Kirsch

World Juniors Quick Facts

Here are the answers to some frequently asked World Juniors questions:

Who Won World Juniors 2025

The USA won the 2025 World Junior Championship, their second consecutive title. Team USA beat Finland 4-3 in the final after the game entered overtime.

Where Are The World Juniors This Year

This year, the United States is hosting the World Juniors in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minn. Group A have been playing games in the Grand Casino Arena and Group B have played games in the 3M Arena at Mariucci.

2027 World Juniors Location

The 2027 World Juniors will be held in Alberta, Canada.

Where To Watch World Juniors

The World Juniors streams live on the NHL Network in the United States.

IIHJ World Juniors 2026 Standings

Group A

1. USA — 6 pts, 2 wins, 0 losses
2. SWE — 3 pts, 1 win, 0 losses
3. SVK — 3 pts, 1 win, 1 loss
4. SUI — 0 pts, 0 wins, 1 loss
5. GER — 0 pts, 0 wins, 2 losses

Group B

1. CAN — 5 pts, 1 win, 0 losses
2. FIN — 3 pts, 1 win, 0 losses
3. CZE — 3 pts, 1 win, 1 loss
4. LAT — 1 pt, 0 wins, 0 losses
5. DEN — 0 pts, 0 wins, 2 losses

World Juniors 2026 Scores So Far

It's been an exciting first day of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn. Here are the scores so far:

Friday, Dec. 26

• Sweden 3 - 2 Slovakia
• Finland 6 - 2 Denmark
• USA 6 - 3 Germany
• Canada 7 - 5 Czechia

Saturday, Dec. 27

• Slovakia 4 - 1 Germany
• Canada 2 - 1 Latvia
• Switzerland 1 - 2 USA
• Czechia 7 - 2 Denmark

World Juniors Schedule Today

Sunday, December 28

• 2:00 p.m. ET - Sweden vs Switzerland
• 4:30 p.m. ET - Finland vs Latvia

Sweden World Juniors Roster 2026

Forwards

• Jack Berglund, C/W, Färjestad BK (PHI)
• Viggo Björck, C/W, Djurgårdens (2026)
• Wilson Björck, LW, Colorado College (VAN)
• Viktor Eklund, RW, Djurgårdens (NYI)
• Lunus Eriksson, C, Timrå IK (FLA)
• Anton Frondell, C/W, Djurgårdens (CHI)
• Eddie Genborg, RW, Timrå IK (DET)
• Milton Gästrin, C, MoDo Hockey (WSH)
• Casper Juustovaara Karlsson, C/W, Luleå HF
• Loke Krantz, RW, (SEA), Linköping HC U20
• Eric Nilson, C/W, Michigan State (ANA)
• Lucas Pettersson, C/W, Brynäs IF (ANA)
• Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frölunda (2026)

Defense

• Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (WPG)
• Felix Carrell, D, Mälmo Redhawks
• Alfons Freij, D, Timrå IK (WPG)
• Viggo Gustafsson, D, AIK (NSH)
• William Håkansson, D, Luleå HF
• Victor Johansson, D, Leksands IF (TOR)
• Leo Sahlin Wallenius, D, Växjö Lakers HC (SJS)
• Felix Ohrqvist, D, Linköping HC

Goalies

• Måns Goos, G, Färjestad U20 (DAL)
• Love Härenstam, G, Södertälje SK (STL)
• Herman Liv, G, Almtuna IS

Switzerland World Juniors Roster 2026

Forwards

• Mike Aeschlimann, LW/RW, SCL Tigers
• Robin Antenen, LW, EV Zug
• Nathan Borradori, F, HC Ambri-Piotta
• Nolan Cattin, RW, EHC Biel-Bienne
• Joel Grossniklaus, C, Malmö Redhawks
• Kevin Haas, RW/LW, HC Thurgau
• Cyrill Henry, C, HC Lugano
• Kimi Körbler, RW, EHC Kloten
• Paul Mottard, C, Ilves
• Jonah Neuenschwander, F, EHC Biel-Bienne (2027)
• Jamiro Reber, C/LW, HV71
• Lars Steiner, RW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
• Beni Waidacher, C, HC Davos
• Loris Wey, C/RW, EV Zug

Defense

• Niklas Blessing, EHC Biel-Bienne
• Mischa Geisser, EV Zug
• Ludvig Johnson, Fribourg-Gotteron (UTA)
• Nik Lehmann, SCL Tigers
• Gian Meier, Frolunda Goteborg
• Leon Muggli, Hershey Bears (WSH)
• Basile Sansonnens, Lausanne HC (VAN)
• Daniil Ustinkov, ZSC Lions

Goalies

• Christian Kirsch, G, Kitchener Rangers (SJS)
• Phileas Lachat, G, Waterloo Black Hawks
• Elijah Neuenschwander, G, Fribourg-Gotteron (ANA)

Sweden 2026 World Junior Championship Schedule

Friday, December 26

• 1:00 p.m. ET – Sweden 3, Slovakia 2

Sunday, December 28

• 2:00 p.m. ET – Sweden vs Switzerland

Monday, December 29

• 1:00 p.m. ET – Germany vs Sweden

Wednesday, December 31

• 6:00 p.m. ET – USA vs Sweden *Live Updates*

Switzerland 2026 World Junior Championship Schedule

Saturday, December 27

• 6:00 p.m. ET – USA 2, Switzerland 1

Sunday, December 28

• 2:00 p.m. ET – Sweden vs Switzerland

Tuesday, December 30

• 2:00 p.m. ET – Switzerland vs Germany

Wednesday, December 31

• 1:00 p.m. ET – Switzerland vs Slovakia

2026 World Junior Championship Schedule

View the full schedule below for the Group Stage and playoff rounds of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota. FloHockey will provide free live updates for each USA and Canada game including analysis, scoring summaries, and highlights.

Friday, December 26

• 1:00 p.m. ET - Sweden 3 - 2 Slovakia
• 2:30 p.m. ET - Denmark 2 - 6 Finland
• 6:00 p.m. ET - Germany 3 - 6 USA
• 8:30 p.m. ET - Czechia vs Canada *Live Updates*

Saturday, December 27

• 2:00 p.m. ET - Slovakia vs Germany
• 4:30 p.m. ET - Latvia vs Canada *Live Updates*
• 6:00 p.m. ET - USA vs Switzerland *Live Updates*
• 8:30 p.m. ET - Denmark vs Czechia

Sunday, December 28

• 2:00 p.m. ET - Sweden vs Switzerland
• 4:30 p.m. ET - Finland vs Latvia

Monday, December 29

• 1:00 p.m. ET - Germany vs Sweden
• 3:30 p.m. ET - Finland vs Czechia
• 6:00 p.m. ET - Slovakia vs USA *Live Updates*
• 8:30 p.m. ET - Canada vs Denmark *Live Updates*

Tuesday, December 30

• 2:00 p.m. ET - Switzerland vs Germany
• 4:30 p.m. ET - Latvia vs Denmark

Wednesday, December 31

• 1:00 p.m. ET - Switzerland vs Slovakia
• 3:30 p.m. ET - Czechia vs Latvia
• 6:00 p.m. ET - USA vs Sweden *Live Updates*
• 8:30 p.m. ET - Canada vs Finland *Live Updates*

Friday, January 2

• 12:30 p.m. ET - Relegation Game
• 2:00 p.m. ET - Quarterfinals Game 1
• 4:30 p.m. ET - Quarterfinals Game 2
• 6:00 p.m. ET - Quarterfinals Game 3
• 8:30 p.m. ET - Quarterfinals Game 4

Sunday, January 4

• 4:30 p.m. ET - Semifinals Game 1
• 8:30 p.m. ET - Semifinals Game 2

Monday, January 5

• 4:30 p.m. ET - Bronze Medal Game
• 8:30 p.m. ET - Gold Medal Game

IIHF World Juniors Hockey: Past Champions

Here's who won the Gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship since 2000.

• 2025: United States
• 2024: United States
• 2023: Canada
• 2022: Canada
• 2021: United States
• 2020: Canada
• 2019: Finland
• 2018: Canada
• 2017: United States 
• 2016: Finland
• 2015: Canada
• 2014: Finland
• 2013: United States 
• 2012: Sweden
• 2011: Russia
• 2010: United States
• 2009: Canada
• 2008: Canada
• 2007: Canada
• 2006: Canada 
• 2005: Canada
• 2004: United States
• 2003: Russia
• 2002: Russia
• 2001: Czech Republic
• 2000: Czech Republic

2026 World Junior Championship Teams

View the list of teams, by group, for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Group A

• USA
• Germany
• Switzerland
• Sweden
• Slovakia

Group B

• Canada
• Czechia
• Latvia
• Denmark
• Finland

Follow FloHockey's Coverage Of The 2026 World Junior Championship

FloHockey will be on site for complete coverage of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can expect game-by-game coverage of both Team USA and Team Canada from FloHockey's experts, interviews with key players and coaches and much more. Follow FloHockey's WJC coverage here.

NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey

The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.

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