Full Breakdown
USA Beats Austria, Sets Up Quarterfinal vs. Canada at 2026 IIHF Worlds
5/27/2026, 9:49:35 PM
USA Earns Quarterfinal Spot with 4-1 Win Over Austria
On Tuesday in Zurich, the United States defeated Austria 4–1 to clinch the fourth-place slot in Group A and a quarterfinal against Group B leader Canada. Goals came from Connor Clifton (5:34), Ryan Ufko (45 seconds later), Paul Cotter and Matthew Tkachuk. Goaltender Devin Cooley recorded either 25 or 26 saves, per differing reports.
Context and Recent USA-Canada Rivalry
The win follows the United States’ Olympic gold over Canada in February and its first World Championship title in 92 years. Canada entered the tournament unbeaten, topping Group B with 20 points, while the U.S. finished fourth in Group A with 11.
Key Players and Roster Notes
Key contributors included Tkachuk, who logged his fourth goal in four games, defensemen Clifton and Ufko, and forward Paul Cotter. Both squads omitted several NHL stars, a common pattern for the IIHF event.
Core Statistics
Final score 4-1; U.S. scorers Clifton, Ufko, Cotter, Tkachuk. Cooley’s save total is reported as 25 (ESPN) or 26 (Bleacher Report). Group A leaders: Switzerland 21 pts; Group B leader Canada 20 pts.
Official Comments
U.S. head coach Don Granato praised the overall play and goaltending, noting the team “looks forward to the challenge ahead in facing Canada.” The IIHF schedule lists the quarterfinal for Thursday at 8:20 AM MT.
Criticism and Roster Limitations
Analysts note that many top NHL players skip the Worlds, leaving both the United States and Canada “not at full Olympic strength,” a factor that fuels debate over the matchup’s quality.
Game Flow Summary
The United States opened scoring within five minutes, added two more before the second period, and extended the lead on a power play. Austria’s late goal could not change the result.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on Cooley’s saves—ESPN lists 25, Bleacher Report lists 26.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I liked our game overall and thought our goaltending was excellent,” U.S. head coach Don Granato said. “We look forward to the challenge ahead in facing Canada on Thursday.” — Don Granato, U.S. head coach
- “We’re going to need our absolute best to have a chance,” Tkachuk said, according to the IIHF. — Matthew Tkachuk, USA forward
- “It feels good,” Ufko said, according to the IIHF. “We knew that it was a winner-go-home type of game, a playoff game. We’re really proud with the way it went, and we’re just looking forward to the quarterfinals now.” — Ryan Ufko, USA defenseman
- “Team USA isn’t chasing Canada anymore.” — Outkick Sports, Fox News
What’s Next
The quarterfinal on Thursday pits the United States against Canada. The winner advances to a semifinal versus either Switzerland or Sweden, potentially setting up a gold-medal rematch.
