2026 Winter Olympics: The United States beats Canada to win women’s ice hockey gold

Megan Keller scored in overtime to win the Winter Olympic gold medal for the United States in a thrilling 2-1 win over top rival Canada.

This marks the third Olympic title for the USA women’s team and first since the 2018 Games in PyeongChang.

Christine O’Neill gave the Canadians a second-period lead at Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, ending the United States’ 352-minute streak without conceding a goal since its opening win over the Czech Republic.

With just over two minutes remaining, U.S. captain Hilary Knight scored her 15th Olympic goal in her final appearance to force sudden death overtime — the third time a women’s Olympic final has required that in four Games.

Four minutes into the third period, Keller skillfully dislodged her opponent from position before firing past Canadian goalkeeper Anne-Renee Desbiens, sparking wild celebrations as her teammates rushed onto the ice.

With the exception of the 2006 Olympics in Turin, when Canada defeated Sweden, the two North American nations have contested every Olympic final since women’s ice hockey was added to the program in 1998.

Canada has won the title five times but suffered a brutal 5-0 defeat to the Americans in the group stage, its worst defeat at the Olympics in 28 years.

Meanwhile, the USA were in good form from the start, with O’Neill’s goal being only the second goal they have conceded in all matches.

Earlier Thursday, Switzerland beat Sweden 2-1 to win the bronze medal.

The final men’s ice hockey match will be held on Sunday, with Canada facing Finland and the United States taking on Slovakia in the semi-finals on Friday.