MILAN, Italy – Switzerland opened the 2026 Winter Olympic women’s hockey tournament with a decisive 4-0 victory over France on . The Swiss team demonstrated a dominant performance, backed by a stellar showing from goaltender Leonardo Genoni, who recorded a shutout with 27 saves.
Switzerland came out aggressively, taking the lead just 55 seconds into the game with a power-play goal from Damien Riat, assisted by Kurashev, and Andrighetto. Janis Moser extended the lead to 2-0 early in the fourth minute, capitalizing on a scoring opportunity. Despite the early surge, the Swiss struggled to add to their lead for a significant portion of the game, largely due to the outstanding performance of French goaltender Antoine Keller, who finished with 39 saves.
The game remained tightly contested until the final ten minutes, when New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier broke the deadlock, scoring his first of two goals. Meier added an insurance goal with just under four minutes remaining, sealing the victory for Switzerland. Assists on Meier’s goals came from Josi and Kukan, and then Moser and Fiala respectively.
The win establishes Switzerland as an early contender in Group B, alongside Sweden, who also secured a victory on the same day, defeating Germany 4-1. France will need to regroup quickly as they face tougher challenges ahead in the tournament.
The Swiss victory wasn’t just about offensive firepower. it was a complete team effort. The defensive unit, anchored by Genoni’s solid goaltending, effectively stifled French attacks, limiting their scoring chances. Switzerland’s ability to capitalize on their power-play opportunity early in the game set the tone for their dominant performance.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to Group C, where the United States is widely considered the favorite. The American team, coached by Mike Sullivan, is aiming to end a long drought for U.S. Women’s hockey, having last won Olympic gold at the 1980 Lake Placid Games – the famed “Miracle on Ice.” The team’s recent success at the 2025 World Championship, their first title in 65 years, has fueled expectations for a strong showing in Milan.
The U.S. Roster boasts an impressive array of talent, led by captain Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Other key players include Jack Eichel, brothers Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, elite defensemen Zach Werenski and Quinn Hughes, and three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck. The depth and skill of the American team make them a formidable opponent for any nation.
The U.S. Will open their Olympic campaign against Latvia, a team featuring nine players currently competing in the Czech Extraliga, including Sparta Prague forward Martins Dzierkals and Karlovy Vary defenseman Janis Jaks. Latvia will undoubtedly present a challenge, but the Americans are expected to leverage their superior talent and experience to secure a victory.
Also in Group C, Germany will face Denmark, with Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers leading the German attack. Germany’s roster includes seven NHL players, including defenseman Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings and goaltender Philipp Grubauer. Denmark will rely on the offensive prowess of Nick Olesen, a prolific scorer in the Czech league.
The opening day of competition also saw action in Group A, with the United States defeating Czechia 5-1 and Italy defeating France 4-1. These early results are setting the stage for a highly competitive tournament, with several teams vying for a spot in the medal round.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are being held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from to . Viewers in the United States can watch the games live on Peacock and the NBCOlympics website, as well as through their television provider via NBC, USA Network, CNBC, and NBCSN.
Switzerland’s strong start to the tournament sends a clear message to their Group B rivals: they are a force to be reckoned with. With a combination of offensive skill, defensive solidity, and outstanding goaltending, the Swiss team has the potential to make a deep run in the Olympic tournament.
