How it unfolded
The anticipation for the 2026 World Men’s Curling Championships is building as the event is set to take place from March 27 to April 4, 2026, at the Weber County Ice Sheet in Ogden, Utah. This championship marks a significant return to the United States, as it is the first time the competition will be held here since 2022. With teams from 13 nations participating, the stakes are high for all involved.
As the tournament approaches, teams are finalizing their rosters and strategies. Notably, Canada will be led by skip Matthew Dunstone, who expressed a mix of excitement and relief about the upcoming competition. “It’s been 10 years for me (since the junior bronze). It’s felt like a lifetime,” Dunstone remarked, highlighting the emotional weight of the event for him personally.
The competition will feature a total of 13 nations, including traditional powerhouses like Sweden, which has dominated the sport in recent years, winning seven world championships since 2013 under the leadership of skip Niklas Edin. Scotland, the reigning champion, won titles in both 2023 and 2025, making them a formidable contender as well.
On the opening day, March 27, Canada is scheduled to play four games, setting the tone for their championship run. The round-robin format will see the top six teams qualify for the playoffs, adding an extra layer of intensity to each match. The bronze medal game and the gold medal game are both set for April 4, 2026, promising a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
Broadcasting will be handled by TSN networks, with streaming available on TSN.ca, ensuring fans can follow the action closely. The excitement surrounding the event is palpable, with players like E.J. Harnden expressing a renewed sense of joy in competing: “This just feels like it’s a bonus. There’s just a sort of lightness that I feel and excitement that I feel, and I haven’t felt this way in a number of years.”
As the teams prepare, the historical significance of the World Men’s Curling Championships, which date back to 1959, adds to the gravity of the event. The competition not only showcases the best in curling but also fosters international camaraderie and sportsmanship.
With the championship just around the corner, the curling community is buzzing with anticipation. The outcomes of the matches will not only determine the champion but also impact the rankings and future competitions. As teams finalize their preparations, the world will be watching closely to see who will emerge victorious in Ogden.