St. Paul, Minnesota – Sweden defeated Latvia 6-3 in the opening game of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship quarterfinals on Friday, January 2, 2026. The victory propels Sweden into the semi-finals, keeping their hopes alive for their first gold medal since 2012.

Sweden started the game strong, with Anton Frondell scoring just 10 seconds into the first period. Latvia responded with a power-play goal from Kristers Ansons, assisted by Bruno Osmanis and Alberts Šmits, tying the game 1-1. However, Sweden quickly regained the lead with a goal from captain Jack Berglund, assisted by Lucas Pettersson and Eddie Genborg.

The second period saw Sweden extend their lead with goals from Sascha Boumedienne and Felix Carell. Boumedienne's goal was assisted by Alfons Freij and Ivar Stenberg, while Carell's goal was assisted by Victor Eklund and Leo Sahlin Wallenius. Sweden entered the third period with a comfortable 4-1 lead.

Frondell scored his second goal of the game early in the third period, further solidifying Sweden's lead. Viggo Björck and Freij assisted on the goal. Latvia attempted a comeback, with Karlis Flugins scoring a goal assisted by Martins Klaucāns and Martins Vitols. Olivers Murnieks also scored for Latvia late in the game. Ultimately, Sweden's strong offensive performance and solid defense proved too much for Latvia, securing the 6-3 victory.

Love Härenstam was in net for Sweden, while Nils Maurins started in goal for Latvia. Sweden outshot Latvia 38-16.

Anton Frondell's two goals put him in a tie for the tournament lead with five goals, alongside Slovakia's Tomas Chrenko and the U.S.'s Will Zellers. Leo Sahlin Wallenius contributed a goal and two assists for Sweden.

Latvia has been trying to make it past the quarterfinals for the first time. This was Latvia's fourth quarter-final appearance in five World Juniors, the lone exception being 2023. Their highest-ever placement was seventh in 2022 and 2025. Latvia has managed to stay in the top division every year since earning promotion back in 2022.

Sweden, after finishing fourth last year, is aiming for their third gold medal in the World Juniors, with previous wins in 1981 and 2012. They settled for their 12th silver medal in 2024 after losing to the Americans.

Sweden will now await the conclusion of the other quarterfinal games to determine their opponent in the semi-finals. The semi-finals are scheduled for Sunday, with the championship and third-place games on Monday.