Helenius leads Finland to 2026 IIHF World Championship gold over Switzerland
Finland has won gold for the third time since 2019 and the fifth time ever after beating Switzerland 1-0 on Sunday at the 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship in Zurich.
The title is Finland’s fifth in tournament history, keeping them firmly in fifth place all-time. Switzerland, meanwhile, has taken home silver for the sixth time, and third year in a row.
The Finns dominated the opening period, outshooting Switzerland 15-7. Finland even scored a goal that was ultimately taken back due to a high-stick, keeping the score at 0-0.
Switzerland was the better team in the second period, outshooting the Finns 8-2 in a low-event frame. But, like the first, the two teams left the ice at the end of the period sitting at 0-0, setting the stage for a wild finish.
But, for the second straight year, that finish would come past the 60-minute mark. And for the third straight year, Switzerland would finish without scoring a goal, as Konsta Helenius would win the game in overtime to secure the championship for Finland.
Here’s a look at the top performers from the gold medal game:
2026 #MensWorlds all-star team: G: Leonardo Genoni D: Roman Josi D: Henri Jokiharju F: Macklin Celebrini F: Sven Andrighetto F: Aleksander Barkov MVP: Roman Josi
Finland
#15 Anton Lundell, C (Florida Panthers): Lundell’s first-period goal was taken back – and for good reason, thanks to a high stick. But beyond that, Lundell was excellent, registering three shots in the first period to put the pressure on the Swiss. I like Lundell around the net, but he also has the pure muscle and strength to win most of his battles, no matter the opponent.
#16 Aleksander Barkov, C (Florida Panthers): I feel bad for Panthers fans – given how well Barkov played at this tournament, he would have been an absolute beast again this year. For someone who missed as much as he did, it took him very little to get up to full speed. Throughout the playoff round, Barkov was about as unstoppable as it gets in front of the net. He didn’t score today, but he was one of the most lethal in the attacking zone.
#64 Mikael Granlund, LW (Anaheim Ducks): Granlund was my favorite Finn today. It felt like any time the Finns had a close chance in front, Granlund was the one making it happen. He gave the Finns a nice infusion of skill once he joined the lineup, and he was especially impressive as a playdriver on Finland’s top line.
#94 Konsta Helenius, RW (Buffalo Sabres): What else can you say about Helenius? It was a truly special tournament for the Sabres forward, who saved his best hockey for the playoffs. Between the physical battles, the smart passes, and the great shot, Helenius brought his A-game every single night. Buffalo was still in the playoffs when this tournament began – and now, he finishes off his season with a championship.
Switzerland
#63 Leonardo Genoni, G: Genoni had to make 15 saves in the first period, and was outstanding. He only had to turn away two shots in the second, but sometimes, that could be more difficult for a goaltender than a busy frame. Genoni rarely allows a bad goal and that’s because he’s as dialed in as they come. Today, he gave the Swiss every opportunity to win – and yet, despite allowing just one goal, it wasn’t enough.
#90 Roman Josi, D (Nashville Predators): Josi was excellent again today, nearly scoring late in the game to give Switzerland its first goal. He was physical, defensively reliable, and offensively involved every single shift. Josi was one of the best players every single night, and you knew he desperately wanted to come out on top this year.
#28 Timo Meier, RW (New Jersey Devils): Meier was Switzerland’s top shot generator, which included a three-shot opening frame. The Devils’ forward was a bit more rested than everyone else after serving his one-game suspension for kneeing. He was involved everywhere, from the offensive chances to the physical play.