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The United States began defense of its hockey world championships title against the team that it beat to secure that gold medal.
But the result was different this time as Switzerland prevailed 3-1 in the 2026 tournament opener on Friday, May 15. The USA had won 1-0 in the 2025 championship game for its first gold medal at the tournament since 1933.
Swiss goalie Leonardo Genoni gave up only one goal again − to the Boston Bruins‘ Alex Steeves in the third period. The difference was that he had offensive support this year. Pius Suter and Sven Andrighetto scored in the first period, with each also picking up an assist.
Andrighetto scored from a bad angle on a shot that was misplayed by USA goalie Joseph Woll. Though Woll improved, Genoni continued to stymie the Americans and Ken Jager put the game away with a deflection goal with 3:39 left.
“What a great atmosphere tonight and a lot of positive takeaways, competing for each other and playing as a team,” USA coach Don Granato said. “Every game is a build and we can take a lot out of this game as we move forward.”
The Americans, who have six games left in the preliminary round, have fewer big names this year. Gold medal game heroes Tage Thompson and Jeremy Swayman aren’t in Switzerland, and Mason Lohrei and Isaac Howard are the only returning players. Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk will join the team on May 19 after its third game.
The IIHF world championship runs from May 15-31. USA TODAY provided live updates on the USA-Switzerland opening game: Here are highlights:
USA vs. Switzerland highlightsWhat’s next for the USA?
The Americans will play Great Britain on Sunday at 6 a.m. ET
Players of the game
Captain Justin Faulk for the USA and goalie Leonardo Genoni for Switzerland.
Final score: Switzerland 3, USA 1
The Americans got better after giving up two goals in the first period, but they weren’t able to come back. Swiss goalie Leonardo Genoni played well in holding the USA at bay.
Joseph Woll save
He starts heading to the bench but retreats and stops a shot by Sven Andrighetto.
2 minutes left
Switzerland pinning in the USA so the Americans can’t pull the goalie.
Switzerland gets big goal
Ken Jager tips in a shot for a goal with 3:39 left as Switzerland goes up by two. Switzerland 3, USA 1
USA testing Swiss goalie
Leonardo Genoni robs Isaac Howard.
Alex Steeves scores for USA
The Bruins player gets the USA on the board at 8:45 after chasing down a rebound and makes it a one-goal game. Switzerland 2, USA 1
Switzerland goes on power play
Ryan Lindgren is called for cross-checking. Sam Lafferty makes a good block to prevent a goal. The USA kills the penalty.
Switzerland chances
Nino Neiderreiter gets a couple looks, but Joseph Woll stops him.
Third period underway
2-0 Switzerland.
End of second period: Switzerland 2, USA 0
The Americans had some good chances in the second period, and Swiss goalie Leonard Genoni robbed Hobey Baker winner Max Plante. Shots were 7-3 in the period.
USA goes on power play
Roman Josi is called for tripping. Switzerland kills it off. Still 2-0 Switzerland.
Second period underway
2-0 Switzerland
End of first period: Switzerland 2, USA 0
Good first period for the home team, not so good for the defending champions. Sven Andrighetto, a former Avalanche player now in the Swiss league, had a goal and an assist. USA goal Joseph Woll didn’t appear to be positioned properly on the 2-0 goal. Shots are 10-5 Switzerland.
Switzerland scores from bad angle
USA goalie Joseph Woll gives up a Sven Andrighetto goal from a bad angle. He probably wants that one back. Switzerland 2, USA 0
Switzerland scores first
Blues forward Pius Suter scores on Switzerland’s first shot of the game at 2;03. Switzerland 1, USA 0.
Game underway
USA’s Joseph Woll vs. Switzerland’s Leonardo Genoni in net.
USA vs Switzerland: How to watch, stream hockey world championships
Location: Swiss Life Arena, Zurich, Switzerland
Streaming:Fubo and certain tiers of Sling carry NHL Network.
USA projected linesSwitzerland projected linesMatthew Tkachuk will arrive later
Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk is the most recognizable name who has accepted an invitation to play for the USA. But he’s not with the team at the moment. He’s scheduled to arrive in Switzerland on May 19 – after the Americans have been played their third game.
USA world championships schedule
All times ET
May 15: vs. Switzerland 2:20 p.m.
May 17: vs. Great Britain, 6:20 a.m.
May 18: vs. Finland, 10:20 a.m.
May 20: vs. Germany, 2:20 p.m.
May 23: vs. Latvia, 6:20 a.m.
May 25: vs. Hungary, 10:20 a.m.
May 26: vs. Austria, 10:20 a.m.
Canada beats Sweden in world championships
Fraser Minten and Porter Martone each had two assists in Canada’s 5-3 win against Sweden.
Finland beats Germany in world championships
Panthers forward Anton Lundell had a goal and an assist in Finland’s 3-1 victory in the tournament opener. Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, who missed the 2025-26 season after ACL surgery, had an assist on Lundell’s goal.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World championships highlights: USA loses 2026 opener to Switzerland