As the round robin stage of the men’s curling competition at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games draws to a close, the race for a podium finish intensifies. With only two days left in the round robin, several nations are vying for a spot in the playoffs, and the competition is fierce.
Leading the pack is Switzerland, boasting an impressive record of 7-0. The rink, skipped by Yannick Schwaller, has showcased dominance throughout the tournament, winning all but two of their matches by margins exceeding four points. Their standout victories against strong contenders like Great Britain, Canada, and Sweden underline their status as a top contender for gold. Currently, Switzerland leads the competition with a team shooting percentage of 89.6, and several players rank first in their positions, signifying their strong performance. The Swiss are yet to secure gold since their triumph at the Nagano 1998 Olympics.
Canada follows closely, securing a playoff spot with a commendable 6-1 record after defeating Great Britain 9-5. Led by Brad Jacobs, the team capitalized on pivotal moments in their matches, showcasing resilience and strategic prowess. Their only loss came against Switzerland, where they faced a challenging performance. Despite this setback, Canada has demonstrated a competitive shooting percentage of 87.5, positioning them strongly for a potential medal.
Italy, with a record of 4-3, remains in contention after a spirited 8-5 victory over the United States, energizing their chances as they prepare to face the two top teams, Canada and Switzerland. The support from the home crowd has been a significant boost, instilling hope for a historic medal finish in men’s curling.
Norway shares a 4-3 record with Italy but faces a tougher road ahead against the top teams remaining. Following an impressive upset over Great Britain, they experienced a setback against Sweden. If they can secure decisive victories in their upcoming matches, they stand a strong chance of making the playoffs.
The United States and Great Britain, both at 4-4, find themselves at a crucial juncture. While the Americans have stumbled recently, they still have an opportunity to qualify; however, they require favorable results from other matches. Great Britain’s struggle this tournament is particularly notable, as the top-ranked team has suffered consecutive losses and holds a challenging position to reach the playoffs.
Germany (3-5) continues to fight for a playoff berth after a rollercoaster performance. Similar, China (2-5) has experienced ups and downs but managed to keep its playoff hopes alive with back-to-back wins.
On the other end, Sweden (2-6) and Czechia (1-6) are facing considerable challenges. While Sweden’s campaign has been rife with disappointment, a recent win against Norway offered a momentary respite. Meanwhile, Czechia’s young team finally recorded its first victory, bringing a sense of hope as they prepare for their remaining matches.
Overall, as the competition heats up, the upcoming days promise thrilling matches and potentially historic outcomes for various teams as they vie for Olympic glory in the prestigious curling event. The determination of each squad and the fervent support from fans underscore the passion and spirit of the Olympics, making for an exciting finish to the round robin stage.