The Swiss national ice hockey team became the first participant in the 2026 IIHF World Championship playoffs in the elite division. This happened based on the results of the matches of the seventh game day.
Switzerland was the first team to reach the milestone of five matches played at the tournament, winning all five: beating Great Britain 4-1.
Thanks to the victory over the British, Switzerland maintained its lead in the Group A standings – they have the maximum after five matches (15 points). In addition, the victory over the British guaranteed the Swiss an early exit to the playoffs.
Switzerland is guaranteed not to drop below fourth place in the standings, which is the last place to qualify for the playoff zone. Finland, Austria, and Hungary have mathematical chances of overtaking the Swiss. On the other hand, the USA, which is currently in fourth place, will not score more than 14 points (if they win all their matches) and, in addition, will have a head-to-head match with Hungary.
Group A standings
- Switzerland — 15 points (5 matches), 26:5 (goal difference)
- Finland — 12 points (4), 20:5
- Austria — 9 points (4), 12:14
- USA — 5 points (4), 12:13
- Hungary — 3 points (3), 8:8
- Latvia — 3 points (4), 6:14
- Germany — 1 point (4), 5:15
- Great Britain — 0 points (4), 4:19
This is Switzerland's ninth consecutive appearance in the IIHF World Championship playoffs. The last time they failed to do so was in 2016, when they finished in 11th place.
At the same time, Switzerland will try to win gold at the third attempt at the tournament. The Swiss finished with silver medals in the two previous tournaments.
Switzerland will play two more matches before the end of the group stage — against Latvia (May 23) and Finland (May 26). Watch the Swiss' final match in the group round on the Suspilne Sport platforms and local Suspilne channels.