World Jr. Hockey Championship 2026 Betting Preview: Best Bets & Winner Odds

Team Canada (+110)

It hasn’t been a fun couple of years for Canada at the World Juniors. They’ve fallen short in back-to-back tournaments and didn’t even come away with a bronze medal to show for their efforts. Last season, the Canadian roster wasn’t well constructed, and expectations were understandably low.

For 2026, the Team Canada roster looks much more stacked. There were a few questionable omissions last year, but they didn’t overthink it this time. I’m more optimistic about Canada than I’ve been in three years, which coincides with the last time they finished on top at the World Juniors.

Potential future No. 1 draft pick Gavin McKenna leads a talented core into Minneapolis. The Penn State Nittany Lion piled up an incredible 41 goals and 88 assists in 56 games in his third and final year in the WHL. He’s off to a quick start in his first season in the Big Ten, with four goals and 14 assists through 16 games.

HAGE. MCKENNA. MARTIN. 🚨

Canada leads 2-1.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/pSeQRhluKj

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 18, 2025

He should be the best playmaker on the ice in this tournament, and Canada should also have the best defenseman. Calgary Flames’ prospect Zayne Parekh, loaned to Team Canada for the event, is poised for a big tournament.

The Flames want Parekh to gain more experience, and the 19-year-old now has the chance to represent his country on a grand stage. He and Keaton Verhoeff, a projected top 5 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, form the best 1-2 punch on the blue line this year.

The 21st overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Michael Hage, is also off to the World Juniors. The Oakville native and Montreal Canadiens’ prospect has recorded 10 goals and 18 assists with the University of Michigan in 2025–26. Hage and McKenna are two of the best playmakers in the tournament, and they’re on the same roster. It’s going to be a lethal duo.

After consecutive years with weaker rosters, the 2025-26 edition of Team Canada is loaded with talent.

Team USA (+190)

In 2025, the USA won back-to-back titles for the first time. They can build on that and make it three straight gold medals, this time in front of the home crowd in Minneapolis. However, Canada looks much better on paper this year, so it will be challenging.

Nevertheless, the Americans bring plenty of star power and are unlikely to go away quietly. Boston College star and the Bruins’ seventh overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, James Hagens, is back as the top center for Team USA. Hagens provides the Americans with both talent and experience on the ice.

HAGENS TAKES THE LEAD FOR THE EAGLES WITH ONE MINUTE TO GO!!!!!#NCAAHockey x 🎥 ESPNU / @BC_MHockey pic.twitter.com/n5nMy2lieq

— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) March 28, 2025

In his second season at BC, Hagens has been the team’s standout player, with 10 goals and eight assists in 16 games. He’s only one goal away from matching the 11 he scored in 37 games a season ago. He’ll be supported by Teddy Stiga and Brodie Ziemer, along with solid depth that includes Max Plante and Will Horcoff.

The offensive quality of this team is well regarded. I don’t have any qualms about the United States’ ability to put the puck in the back of the net. However, the defense isn’t as strong as it was a year ago. While it’s still one of the best units, I give Canada the edge defensively.

Washington Capitals prospect and current BC Eagle, Cole Hutson, is a standout playmaker on the blue line and an elite puck-mover. He should have a productive showing on home ice. I also like EJ Emery to serve as an enforcer in the defensive zone. There are some solid pieces here, but this isn’t their best defensive team.

Goaltending isn’t a sure thing this year, either. Starting goaltender Nick Kempf is having a mediocre season at Notre Dame, posting a 3.57 GAA and .893 save percentage in 16 games. The fourth-round Capitals draft pick must toughen up between the pipes if the USA is going to win a third straight gold medal.

Sweden (+450)

Never to be underestimated, Team Sweden will be ready to fight for the title this year. They most recently won gold in 2012, claiming their second title ever. But is Sweden truly worth considering as one of the best 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship picks?

The nation features an impressive lineup of talent, highlighted by likely top 10 pick Ivar Stenberg. Stenberg has spent the last two seasons in the Swedish Hockey League, gaining valuable experience. He has scored six goals and added 18 assists in 25 games.

Ivar Stenberg is on a 🔥 streak!

The highly anticipated 2026 NHL Draft prospect is living up to the hype. #Hockey #NHLDraft #EliteProspects pic.twitter.com/uwGkzs8LcN

— Elite Prospects (@eliteprospects) December 9, 2025

He is joined by Chicago Blackhawks draft pick Anton Frondell and New York Islanders prospect Victor Eklund. Both players have tremendous potential and should become well-known names in the NHL in the near future. For now, this trio is expected to make a major impact representing their country in Minneapolis.

Also keep an eye on forward Eddie Genborg, selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Genborg is a physical, two-way right winger who isn’t afraid to throw his body around. He’ll be a valuable asset for Sweden on the forecheck against both Canada and the United States.

Best of all, Sweden’s blue line is expected to be a major strength. The defense is anchored by Leo Sahlin Wallenius and Victor Johansson, intelligent defensemen who can move the puck out of the defensive zone in a hurry. In net, Sweden has a good problem to have, with a goaltending battle between Love Harenstam and Herman Liv.

Anything short of a gold medal would be a disappointment for Sweden.