Canada's Semi-Final Comeback Against Finland
Canada entered the final period of their semi-final match against Finland trailing on the scoreboard.
Milano-Cortina 2026: A Historic Winter Olympics
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has been notable for both sporting achievements and political developments, making the final medal event particularly compelling.
Canada and the United States have emerged as the two strongest teams in the men's ice hockey tournament. They will face each other in the final at the Milano Santagiulia Arena on Sunday at 13:10 GMT.
Contrasting Olympic Histories
These two nations, both with rich ice hockey legacies, have distinct Olympic records. Canada aims to become the first country to win 10 men's ice hockey gold medals, having last secured the title in 2014.
The United States has not won the men's title since the iconic 'Miracle on Ice' victory over the Soviet Union in Lake Placid in 1980, and they have not defeated Canada in a men's Olympic final since 1960.
Canada has won the last two Olympic finals against the USA, in Salt Lake City 2002 and Vancouver 2010. However, the USA is seeking a double gold in Milan, following their women's team’s victory over Canada on Thursday.
Challenging Road to the Final
Both teams faced difficulties en route to the final. Each required overtime to win their quarter-final matches. Canada overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat Finland 3-2 in their semi-final on Friday, scoring the winning goal with just 35 seconds remaining.
Canada is also contending with fitness concerns. Captain Sidney Crosby, who sustained a knee injury during their quarter-final win over the Czech Republic, missed the semi-final against Finland. While Canada hopes to have him available for Sunday’s final, he is unlikely to be at full fitness.
The team has also been affected by a sickness bug, which became evident during the quarter-final when Nathan MacKinnon vomited while sitting on the bench.
Despite these setbacks, Canada retains a formidable lineup.
Canada's Strength in Depth
"In Connor McDavid you have the best player on the planet by a million miles," ice hockey commentator Seth Bennett told . "He was averaging three points a game going into semi-finals.
"McKinnon is another superstar offensive player. Defensively, Cale Makar is the best defenceman in the world and a gamechanger. All will be judged against him.
"You mix them up and it's like if you have a computer game and you put all the best players on one team."
Canada also boasts some of the most promising young talents, including 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini, who has recorded the highest point total by a teenager in Olympic competition.
Day-by-Day Guide and Medal Table
For a full schedule including medal event times and the Winter Olympics 2026 medal table, refer to official sources.
USA's Key Players and Style
USA has notable stars but lacks the offensive firepower of Canada.
"The Tkachuk brothers [Brady and Matthew], and Jack Eichel, that attacking line has worked well together," Bennett said.
"What they have not had is much scoring from captain Auston Matthews, he has not yet taken any of the games by the horns. They are OK, but not more than that."
However, the Americans possess the tournament's best defenceman in Quinn Hughes, who scored the decisive overtime goal against Sweden.
"He might be the best three-on-three player in the world," Bennett said. "He loves to keep possession, and is always looking to make an exciting play."
Impact of NHL Players' Return
The Olympic ice hockey competition has greatly benefited from the return of National Hockey League (NHL) players for the first time since 2014.
Initially, there were concerns about the ice quality at the unfinished Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, which cast doubt on NHL players' participation. However, their presence has significantly elevated the level of play.
"This is the highest level of hockey we have ever seen at an Olympics," Bennett said. "The NHL players have made it a different world.
"At the last two Olympics, games have been good but have missed the quality in the final third, the big moments. Players didn't have the skillset to break a game, so saw a lot of tight, dull games.
"Some of what the players have been doing here has been mind-blowing. One of the goals scored for Canada, McDavid saucered this pass from the back door [behind the goal], it lands as McKinnon is shooting, on the half-volley. That's when you recognise it.
"I have been getting phone calls from people in the hockey world, all they have been saying is, this is so good. There have been periods where Kent [Simpson, BBC co-commentator] and I have just been sat watching, smiling, laughing."
Canada has won gold in three of the five Olympics featuring NHL players and will be confident heading into Sunday’s final, which promises excitement both on and off the ice.
It is expected that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend the game in Milan. Carney is known for his passion for hockey; during his tenure as governor of the Bank of England, he played recreational hockey in Haringey, north London.
The attendance of his American counterpart remains uncertain.
Fans in the UK can watch live streams and highlights on BBC , with updates on BBC Radio 5 Live and live text commentary and video highlights available on the website and app.
Political Tensions Surrounding the Final
Comments from United States President Donald Trump have heightened political tensions with Canada ahead of the final.
The BBC understands that as of Friday afternoon, Trump was scheduled to remain in Washington DC, though this could change.
His potential attendance would pose significant logistical and security challenges for the International Olympic Committee and add a political dimension to an already intense game.
Trump's vice president, JD Vance, attended a USA group stage game and the Olympic opening ceremony at San Siro, where he was loudly booed when appearing on the stadium's big screen.
Trump has previously threatened tariffs on Canadian imports and suggested the possibility of Canada becoming the US's 51st state, which would likely intensify the atmosphere at the Santagiulia Arena.
Earlier, in February 2025, a Four Nations match between the USA and Canada descended into chaos with three fights erupting within the first nine seconds. The crowd at Montreal's Bell Centre booed the US national anthem before the game—a situation unlikely to be repeated in Milan.
The outcome of Sunday’s final will determine the tone of post-match events.
Expectations for the Final's Intensity
"There won't be a repeat of the fights with a gold medal on the line," Bennett said. "They will be at each other though; in every break in play, there will be a cross-check, a word, a push, a scrum.
"Then when they fly back, they will fly on the same private jets because the NHL will put on transport.
"For example, you have Matthew Tkachuk for USA and Brad Marchand for Canada, who are both rink rats, they will go head-to-head 100%. Then they will be on the same flight, they are Florida Panthers teammates and will try to win the Stanley Cup together."
The crowd may also be less tense due to the likelihood of more neutral spectators purchasing tickets for the Olympic spectacle rather than a rivalry-driven grudge match.
Neutral Fans' Perspective
For neutral fans attending the game, commentator Seth Bennett offers insight on which team to support.
"Canada going for their 10th gold, so usually the neutral will go with the underdog," he said. "But that is USA.
"Canada are a bit arrogant too, but they have all the favourite players. How do you not love a team with all those players?
"But how do you not love a USA team who are having this much fun?"
