Don Granato named coach of USA’s men’s 2026 World Championship team
USA Hockey has announced that veteran coach Don Granato will serve as the team’s bench boss for the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland.
Don Granato has been named head coach of the 2026 U.S. Men's National Team. #MensWorlds 🇺🇸 Details: usah.info/3xvc72nh
This will be Granato’s first major coaching job since his four-year tenure with the Buffalo Sabres from 2021-24. Granato has worked with USA Hockey on numerous occasions, including five years with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Granato has also served as an assistant coach at the World Championship three times, taking home bronze in 2018. The former NCAA forward also won silver at the 2013 U-18 World Championship and gold in 2015.
“Don is an excellent coach who brings a wealth of experience,” GM Brett Peterson said in a statement. “He really understands the international hockey landscape and what it takes to win.”
“I’m honored to be asked to coach our men’s national team,” Granato told USA Hockey. “Anytime you have the opportunity to represent your country, it’s incredibly meaningful. I’m excited to work with our players and staff in building a team that represents our country well and competes for a gold medal.”
The Americans won the 2025 World Championship, giving the team gold for the first time in 92 years. USA Hockey also swept gold at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, taking home the title in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
The tournament will run from May 15-31, with USA playing Group A games at the Swiss Life Arena in Zurich, Switzerland. USA will take on Germany in its lone pre-tournament game at 11:00 AM ET on May 10 before kicking off the main event against the hosts from Switzerland on May 15. Other round-robin opponents include Great Britain, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Hungary and Austria.
USA’s roster is typically named in early May after the conclusion of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.