The 10-team field is divided into two groups of five. Every team plays every other team in its group once in round-robin play. The top four teams from each group advance to single-elimination bracket play. The gold medal game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, at Grand Casino Arena.

The Sporting News is tracking updated scores and results for the IIHF World Junior hockey games on December 26.

The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship opens Friday, and for Dallas Stars fans, the annual holiday tournament offers far more than high-stakes international hockey. It provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate some of the organization’s most promising young players as they compete against the best under-20 talent in the world.

The United States, the two-time defending champion, is hosting the world junior hockey championship in Minnesota. What to know about the tournament:

Appearing in both the U18 and U20 D1A IIHF World Junior Championships last season, Klyvo helped Denmark earn promotions in both age groups. At the U18 tournament, he was one of Denmark’s top players, notching nine points (4G, 5A) in five games. After helping his home country earn a promotion, his goal is now to keep it there.

The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship opens Friday, and for Winnipeg Jets fans, the annual holiday tournament offers more than just high-stakes international hockey. It provides a valuable look at some of the organization’s most promising young players as they test themselves against the best under-20 talent in the world.

The Sporting News tracked live updates and highlights from the 2026 World Juniors game between the United States and Germany.

Eklund, selected with the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders, had six points (two goals, four assists) in seven games at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship and won bronze with Sweden at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, scoring six points (four goals, two assists).