Hockey is nearly ready to take center stage at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, and anticipation is building fast as the world’s top national teams prepare for one of the sport’s biggest showcases.
With 22 teams competing across the men’s and women’s tournaments, the Milano Cortina Games promise a packed calendar of rivalry matchups, medal-round drama, and plenty of storylines that will keep fans locked in from the opening faceoff to the gold medal games.
Below is a complete schedule hub and guide to the key dates, matchups, and knockout rounds that will define Olympic hockey in 2026.
Men’s Olympic Hockey Tournament Schedule
All game times listed are in Eastern Standard Time (EST). The men’s tournament features 12 national teams, with group play beginning on February 11 before moving into the qualifying and medal rounds.
Group Stage Highlights
The opening days include several marquee matchups:
- Wednesday, Feb. 11
Finland vs. Slovakia (10:40 a.m.)
Italy vs. Sweden (3:10 p.m.) - Thursday, Feb. 12
France vs. Switzerland (6:10 a.m.)
Canada vs. Czechia (10:40 a.m.)
USA vs. Latvia (3:10 p.m.)
Denmark vs. Germany (3:10 p.m.) - Friday, Feb. 13
Sweden vs. Finland (6:10 a.m.)
Slovakia vs. Italy (6:10 a.m.)
Czechia vs. France (10:40 a.m.)
Switzerland vs. Canada (3:10 p.m.) - Saturday, Feb. 14
Slovakia vs. Sweden (6:10 a.m.)
Latvia vs. Germany (6:10 a.m.)
Italy vs. Finland (10:40 a.m.)
Denmark vs. USA (3:10 p.m.) - Sunday, Feb. 15
Czechia vs. Switzerland (6:10 a.m.)
France vs. Canada (10:40 a.m.)
Latvia vs. Denmark (1:10 p.m.)
Germany vs. USA (3:10 p.m.)
These early games will shape the seeding and determine who advances directly into the quarterfinals.
Men’s Knockout Round Dates
Once group play concludes, the tournament quickly shifts into win-or-go-home mode.
- Tuesday, Feb. 17 – Qualifying Round
Two games at 6:10 a.m.
One game at 10:40 a.m.
One game at 3:10 p.m. - Wednesday, Feb. 18 – Quarterfinals
Games at 6:10 a.m., 8:10 a.m., 10:40 a.m., and 3:10 p.m. - Friday, Feb. 20 – Semifinals
Games at 10:40 a.m. and 3:10 p.m. - Saturday, Feb. 21 – Bronze Medal Game
2:40 p.m. - Sunday, Feb. 22 – Gold Medal Game
8:10 a.m.
The final weekend will deliver the tournament’s biggest moments, with medals decided in just two days.
Women’s Olympic Hockey Tournament Schedule
The women’s tournament begins earlier, featuring 10 national teams battling from February 5 through the medal games on February 19.
Opening Round Matchups
- Thursday, Feb. 5
Germany vs. Sweden (6:10 a.m.)
France vs. Italy (8:40 a.m.)
USA vs. Czechia (10:40 a.m.)
Canada vs. Finland (3:10 p.m.) - Friday, Feb. 6
Japan vs. France (6:10 a.m.)
Switzerland vs. Czechia (8:40 a.m.) - Saturday, Feb. 7
Japan vs. Germany (6:10 a.m.)
Italy vs. Sweden (8:40 a.m.)
Finland vs. USA (10:40 a.m.)
Canada vs. Switzerland (3:10 p.m.) - Sunday, Feb. 8
Sweden vs. France (10:40 a.m.)
Finland vs. Czechia (3:10 p.m.) - Monday, Feb. 9
Italy vs. Japan (6:10 a.m.)
France vs. Germany (10:40 a.m.)
USA vs. Switzerland (2:10 p.m.)
Czechia vs. Canada (3:10 p.m.) - Tuesday, Feb. 10
Sweden vs. Japan (6:10 a.m.)
Germany vs. Italy (10:40 a.m.)
USA vs. Canada (2:10 p.m.)
Switzerland vs. Finland (3:10 p.m.)
The women’s tournament is expected to once again feature intense competition, with traditional powers like Canada and the United States facing strong challenges from European contenders.
Women’s Medal Round Schedule
- Friday, Feb. 13 – Quarterfinals
Games at 10:40 a.m. and 3:10 p.m. - Saturday, Feb. 14 – Quarterfinals
Games at 10:40 a.m. and 3:10 p.m. - Monday, Feb. 16 – Semifinals
Games at 10:40 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. - Thursday, Feb. 19 – Medal Games
Bronze Medal Game (8:40 a.m.)
Gold Medal Game (1:10 p.m.)
What Makes Olympic Hockey in 2026 Must-Watch
With Milan hosting the sport’s biggest international stage, fans can expect:
- Rivalry games that feel like playoff battles
- Emerging stars earning global attention
- Medal-round pressure unlike anything else
- Historic moments for both men’s and women’s hockey
As the puck drops in February, Olympic hockey will once again deliver speed, skill, and national pride at its highest level.
Milano Cortina 2026 is almost here – and hockey’s time to shine is just around the corner.