Team Sweden has officially announced its final roster for the highly anticipated 2026 World Junior Championship (WJC), set to take place from December 26 to January 6 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After a disappointing fourth-place finish last year, losing to Canada in the bronze medal game after an agonizing 14-round shootout, the Swedes are eager to return to North America and reclaim their spot among the medal contenders.
The team boasts a mix of returning talent, NHL-drafted prospects, and promising young players eligible for the upcoming 2026 NHL Entry Draft. With a blend of skill, experience, and determination, Team Sweden aims to challenge the reigning champions, the United States, and Canada, who are considered the favorites.
Leading the charge for the Swedish forward corps is Ivar Stenberg, an 18-year-old winger and a consensus top-10 pick for the 2026 NHL Draft. Stenberg has been making waves in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), notching an impressive 24 points in 25 games for Frölunda HC. His offensive prowess and playmaking ability will be crucial for Sweden's success in the tournament.
Joining Stenberg are fellow first-round NHL picks Anton Frondell (Chicago Blackhawks) and Victor Eklund (New York Islanders). Frondell, the third overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, and Eklund, selected 16th overall, bring a wealth of skill and experience to the team. Other notable forwards include Anaheim Ducks prospect Lucas Pettersson, Washington Capitals selection Milton Gastrin, and Philadelphia Flyers draftee Jack Berglund, all of whom were selected in the second round of their respective NHL drafts. Adding a unique dynamic to the team, brothers Viggo and Wilson Bjorck will have the opportunity to represent Sweden together on the ice. Wilson Bjorck was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the fifth round of the 2025 NHL Draft, while Viggo is projected to be a first-round selection in the upcoming draft. Other forwards on the roster include Linus Eriksson, Liam Danielsson, Eddie Genborg, Valter Lindberg, Eric Nilson, Casper Juustovaara Karlsson and Loke Krantz.
On the defensive end, Sweden is well-represented with NHL-drafted prospects. Sascha Boumedienne (Winnipeg Jets), a 2025 first-round pick, and Alfons Freij (Winnipeg Jets), a 2025 second-round pick, will anchor the Swedish blue line. Boumedienne has recorded two goals and six points in 16 NCAA games for Boston University. Leo Sahlin Wallenius (San Jose Sharks) and Viggo Gustafsson (Nashville Predators), both 2024 NHL Draft selections, will also play key roles in the team's defensive unit. Rounding out the defensive roster are Felix Ohrqvist, Felix Carell IF, Victor Johansson, and William Hakansson.
In goal, the Swedes have a trio of promising netminders vying for the starting role. Måns Goos (Dallas Stars) and Love Härenstam (St. Louis Blues), both drafted in the later rounds of the 2025 NHL Draft, will compete with undrafted Herman Liv for the coveted position. Liv, son of the late Stefan Liv, a former SHL and KHL star, has been impressive in the HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden's second-tier pro league, posting a .923 save percentage in 12 games for Almtuna IS.
Sweden will face Canada in a pair of pre-tournament games on December 17 and 20 in Kitchener and London, Ontario, respectively. These games will provide a valuable opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategies and build chemistry before the tournament officially begins.
With a talented roster and a hunger for success, Team Sweden is poised to make a strong push for the gold medal at the 2026 World Junior Championship.
