Finland Edges Switzerland 1-0 in OT to Capture 2026 Ice Hockey World Championship

Finland defeated Switzerland 1-0 in overtime to win the men's ice hockey world championship on May 31, 2026, in Zurich. Buffalo Sabres rookie center Konsta Helenius scored the game-winning goal at 10:42 of overtime. The victory marked Finland's fifth world title and its first since 2022.

Finland also won world titles in 1995, 2011, and 2019. Anton Lundell and Mikko Lehtonen assisted on Helenius' goal. Swiss goaltender Leonardo Genoni made 27 saves in the loss. Justus Annunen recorded a shutout for Finland with 22 saves.

Annunen posted a 10-12-2 record last season with the Nashville Predators. Finland center Janne Kuokkanen, a former New Jersey Devils forward, said after the game: "The game was like a lot of up and downs. I think both teams had a chance to score the goal.

Hockey is like that, especially today. With the two best teams in a tournament, it's just one bounce and one lucky chance, and you score the goal, and that's it. " Switzerland has now lost three consecutive world championship finals without scoring a goal.

The Swiss lost to Czechia 2-0 in the 2024 final and fell to the United States 1-0 in overtime in the 2025 final. Switzerland also finished second in 2018, 2013, and 1935. Switzerland captain and Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi was named tournament MVP and made the championship All-Star team.

Swiss captain and New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier said after the loss: "One goal again, and we just couldn't manage it. Obviously, they're a well-disciplined team, a well-structured team. But I don't think we gave them much.

Helenius recorded one goal and four points in nine regular-season games for the Sabres. He added two goals in four playoff games as Buffalo defeated the Boston Bruins in the first round before losing to the Montreal Canadiens. The IIHF posted on May 31, 2026: "THE 2026 MEN'S WORLDS CHAMPIONS #MensWorlds #IIHF" with an accompanying image.