Finland's fifth, and Switzerland's third heartbreak

A 1–0 overtime final in Zurich, a first-ever medal for Norway, and a host nation that lost a third final in a row.

WCS Desk

20 SEP 2026 · 4 MIN READ

Ice hockey players on the bench, their breath visible in the coldPhoto: Envato Elements

01 The final

Finland beat Switzerland 1–0 in overtime on 31 May 2026. Konsta Helenius scored the winner 10:42 into overtime and Justus Annunen made 22 saves for the shutout.

It was Finland's fifth world title, after 1995, 2011, 2019 and 2022.

02 Three finals, three defeats

Switzerland won all nine games on the way to the final at home. They had also lost the 2024 final to Czechia and the 2025 final to the United States.

03 Norway's bronze

Norway beat Canada 3–2 in overtime in the bronze-medal game, their first medal at a top-division world championship.

Sources & corrections

[1] IIHF 2026 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

[2] ASSOCIATED PRESS MATCH REPORT

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