Semi-final matchups confirmed at World Juniors 2026

The sixth and final day of round-robin play at the World Junior Curling Championships 2026 in Taarnby, Denmark featured three decisive sessions: two for the men and one for the women, with play-off positions to be confirmed.

On the women’s side, Korea, China and Sweden had already secured their semi-final places ahead of the day’s action, leaving one remaining berth. In the men’s competition, the opening session would prove important, with Canada, Scotland and United States starting the morning tied at the top of the standings.

Lee Boyoung, Korea © World Curling / Anastasia Karekla

Men’s session eight

The Canadian men opened the session with a strong performance against Switzerland, scoring three in the first and fourth ends before adding a combined three stolen points across the fifth and sixth ends to complete a 9-1 win.

Scotland met Korea and, after conceding three in the fifth end, regained control to secure a 10-5 victory, with the game concluding after eight ends. Italy were equally clinical against Japan, stealing seven points across three ends on their way to a 9-1 result.

Stefano Spiller and Francesco Vigliani, Italy © World Curling / Anastasia Karekla

United States faced a closer contest against Denmark, but a three-point score in the eighth end created the margin needed to confirm the 7-5 win.

With these results, Canada, Scotland, United States and Italy secured the four available semi-final places. The concluding men’s session later in the day determined the final standings and the corresponding semi-final matchups.

After securing their spot in the semifinals, Canadian men’s skip, Calan MacIsaac said, “This has probably been one of the coolest events that I’ve been to with my team, especially going overseas with the guys. We’ve made a lot of cool memories here, so no matter the outcome, we had a really good week.”

Calan MacIsaac, Canada © World Curling / Anastasia Karekla

Women’s final round-robin session

In the final women’s session, only one semi-final place remained available. Canada and United States began the draw tied in fourth place, knowing that just one would advance.

United States faced Korea, who had already secured top spot in the standings. Korea established control early and led 8-2 after five ends. The Americans responded with two in the sixth and a steal of one in the seventh to narrow the gap, but Korea answered with three in the eighth end to seal an 11-5 victory.

Elodie Jerger, Switzerland © World Curling / Anastasia Karekla

Canada met Switzerland in a closely matched game. Swiss steals of one in the seventh, eighth and ninth ends created a four-point advantage heading into the tenth. Facing a significant deficit, Canadian skip Myla Plett attempted a difficult final shot to score four, but came up just short, and Switzerland walked away with an 8-3 win.

With both results finalised, United States claimed the last women’s semi-final spot. Following the session, United States lead Bailey Vaydich said, “It was nerve-racking but so exciting. We’re going to take the night off, do some homework, and live in the moment to prepare for our game tomorrow.”

Bailey Vaydich, United States © World Curling / Anastasia Karekla

Find the women’s play-offs bracket here.

Find the women’s schedule and all results so far here.

Men’s final round-robin session

The final men’s session determined the semi-final matchups and final rankings.

Scotland continued their strong form against Japan, scoring three in both the first and fourth ends before adding four in the sixth to secure an 11-2 win. The result put Scotland in first place at the conclusion of the round robin. Looking forward to the semi-final, Scottish third, Logan Carson, said, “We’re going to try to keep doing the things that we’re doing and work on a few things that we could work on.”

Logan Carson, Scotland © World Curling / Anastasia Karekla

Italy faced Switzerland in a closer contest but conceded two three-point ends and lost 8-6. Despite the loss, Italy finished fourth in the standings.

In the North American match-up, Canada and United States played a tight game, but the Americans pulled off a 7-5 victory to finish second overall, with Canada concluding the round robin in third place.