How it unfolded
The anticipation for the 2026 World Men’s Curling Championships is building as teams prepare to compete in Ogden, Utah. This prestigious event is set to take place from March 27 to April 4, 2026, marking a significant occasion as it will be the first time the championship is held in the United States since 2022.
Located at the Weber County Ice Sheet, the championship will feature teams from 13 nations, including curling powerhouses such as Canada, Sweden, and Scotland. The competition is expected to attract a large audience, with matches broadcast on TSN networks and available for streaming on TSN.ca.
On the opening day, March 27, Canada, led by skip Matthew Dunstone, will play four games, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense tournament. Canada last claimed the championship title in 2017, and the team is eager to reclaim its former glory.
Sweden, a dominant force in recent years, has won a remarkable seven world championships since 2013, with skip Niklas Edin at the helm. Meanwhile, Scotland enters the tournament as the defending champion, having won titles in both 2023 and 2025.
The tournament format will see the top six teams from the round-robin stage qualify for the playoffs, culminating in the gold and bronze medal games on April 4, 2026. This structure adds an element of excitement as teams vie for a chance to compete for medals.
As the event approaches, players are expressing a mix of excitement and relief. Matthew Dunstone remarked, “It’s been 10 years for me (since the junior bronze). It’s felt like a lifetime.” His teammate, E.J. Harnden, added, “There’s just a sort of lightness that I feel and excitement that I feel, and I haven’t felt this way in a number of years.” This sentiment reflects the emotional stakes involved for the athletes.
Colton Lott noted the uniqueness of the competition, stating, “It’s definitely not your regular teams that you’ve seen at the worlds prior.” This adds an intriguing layer to the tournament, as fans can expect to see fresh faces and unexpected matchups.
As the curling community gears up for this exciting championship, the 2026 World Men’s Curling Championships promise to deliver thrilling moments and showcase the best of the sport. With the event just around the corner, teams are focused on their strategies and preparing to make their mark in Ogden.
