Sweden opened the World Juniors with a 3–2 win over Slovakia, leaning on a strong power play to hold off a determined Slovak push.

The 2026 World Juniors start on Boxing Day in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minn. Here’s your quick introduction to the tournament, including rundowns of all 10 teams, predictions, draft-eligibles to watch, frequently asked questions and more.

Eklund, who the Islanders drafted in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft (16th overall), tallied a goal in the win, marking his third career goal in the World Juniors after he recorded six points (2G, 4A) through seven games of the tournament last year.

Examining the best betting options for the 2026 World Junior Championships, including who wins the gold medal.

Corey Pronman, Scott Wheeler and Max Bultman form an expert prospect panel to analyze our staff's picks ahead of this year's tournament.

Uljankis (ANA 7th rd., 214th overall in 2024) will appear in his third World Junior Championship. He has recorded 3-10=13 points with a +7 rating in 13 games with the Flint Firebirds of the OHL this season. Uljankis ranks tied for second among Flint defensemen in goals and plus/minus while ranking third in scoring and assists.

Detroit Red Wings forward prospect Max Plante will look to win consecutive gold medals for the United States at the World Junior Championship, which starts today in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minn. Plante is among five Red Wings prospects in the tournament.

Slovakian goaltender Alan Lendak was named player of the game for Slovakia after turning aside 29-of-32 shots faced on the afternoon. Lendak kept Slovakia in the game, turning away a breakaway in the first period and stopping an Anton Frondell one-timer in the second period.