Canada’s Team Matt Dunstone finished round-robin play at the 2026 LGT World Men’s Curling Championship with an impressive 9-2 record after securing their eighth consecutive win on Thursday in Ogden, Utah. The team defeated Italy 7-6 in a thrilling match to complete a dominant run through the competition.
The victory secures a favorable position for Canada heading into the playoffs. While the top two teams in the round-robin standings receive a bye to the semifinals, Canada will need to compete in the quarterfinal round. Sweden currently leads the standings with a 10-1 record, followed by Canada and Switzerland, both at 9-2.
Thursday’s game against Italy was a hard-fought battle, showcasing Dunstone’s team’s resilience. Details of the match were not immediately available, but the final score reflects a closely contested game. This win follows a six-game winning streak that began after early losses in the tournament, demonstrating a significant turnaround in performance.
Playoff Berth Secured Earlier in the Week
Canada clinched a playoff spot on Wednesday with a 9-5 victory over Czechia’s Lukas Klima, marking their sixth straight win at the time. Prior to that, Dunstone edged Switzerland’s Marco Hoesli 8-7 in a nail-biting morning draw. That win was nearly three hours long and came down to the final 25 seconds, according to Curling Canada.
“Didn’t love the looks of it, didn’t love the feel of it,” Dunstone said after the win over Switzerland. “I knew it was heavy out of my hand, and the sweepers weren’t a big fan of what I gave them either, but fortunately that rock had eyes and I’m thankful it did.”
Strong Competition at the World Championship
Several other teams have also secured playoff berths, including Switzerland, Sweden, Scotland, Italy, and the United States. The competition has been fierce, with multiple teams boasting strong records. Sweden’s Niklas Edin leads the pack with a 10-1 record, demonstrating their dominance throughout the round-robin stage.
Scotland’s Ross Whyte and Switzerland’s Marco Hoesli also finished with 9-2 records, showcasing the high level of competition at the championship. The presence of strong teams from curling powerhouses like Sweden, Switzerland, and Scotland underscores the challenging nature of the tournament.
Dunstone’s Team Rolling After Early Setbacks
Dunstone’s team experienced some early challenges at the championship, but they have since found their stride. A pair of wins on Tuesday, including a dominant 10-3 victory over Sweden’s Niklas Edin, signaled a turning point for the Canadian squad. Dunstone attributed the team’s success to their confidence and ability to consistently execute their game plan.
“I think with the couple losses we had earlier in the week, maybe some people thought we could have been a bit of a vulnerable group,” said Dunstone. “I think what we did today kind of shuts that all down. Even though we had a couple tough losses, there was a lot of confidence within the group. We know the type of team we are and we’re starting to really show that on a consistent basis and really trending the way we want to.”
Matt Dunstone, via TSN
Prior to the win over Sweden, Canada defeated China 8-4, continuing their momentum. The team’s ability to bounce back from early losses and string together a series of victories demonstrates their resilience and determination.
Round-robin play concluded on Thursday, setting the stage for the playoff rounds. The quarterfinal matchups and schedule will be announced shortly, with the top two teams receiving a bye to the semifinals. Canada will look to continue their strong performance as they compete for a spot in the championship final.
The LGT World Men’s Curling Championship is being held at the Weber County Ice Sheet in Ogden, Utah. Canada’s success in the round-robin stage positions them well for a potential run at the championship title.