The United States found itself in a difficult position at the 2026 IIHF Men's World Championship. They had a tough time on Saturday, May 23, in a game against Latvia and lost 4-2, while the knockout qualification is looming.

The win got Latvia to move into fifth place in Group A ahead of the United States, which settled in sixth place with five points. Meanwhile, in Group A, Switzerland sits at the top with 18 points.

Only the top four teams qualify for the knockout stage, which starts on Thursday, May 28. The US team, however, still has two games remaining and will be hoping to bounce back in the tournament.

Matthew Tkachuk brought Team USA within 3-2 with under a minute remaining in regulation, but Latvia answered with its second empty-net goal to put the game away.

The USA had a turbulent start to their outing at the IIHF Men's World Championship. In a rematch of the 2025 championship game, the Americans fell 3-1 to Switzerland men's national ice hockey team after defeating them 1-0 in overtime last year thanks to Tage Thompson’s title-clinching goal.

They then played a remarkable game against Great Britain and won 5-1 on May 17, but the next day, they struggled against Finland and lost 6-2.

But their next win came against Germany, 4-3, keeping their knockout hopes alive, but things slipped out of their hands after a loss against Latvia.

Next, the team will take on Hungary on May 25, and their last game before the knockout stage will be against Austria on May 26.

Latvia Star Reflects on Win Against U.S.

Latvia had a phenomenal outing, and the win improved their chances of making it to the knockout stage. Sandis Vilmanis opened up about the win while talking to the press.

"It's amazing that we got the win," Vilmanis said (via IIHF). "That's the most important thing."

Goalie Kristers Gudlevskis had 45 saves in the game and talked about the victory to the press.

"We tried to stay humble," he said. "I think at the end of the day, every game is 50-50. You're going in, and either you win or lose. If luck is on our side, like tonight, then I think we have a good chance."

For Team USA to advance to the quarterfinals, it likely needs a win against Hungary on Monday, May 25, according to Mike Brehm of USA Today. Along with it, Finland will have to defeat Austria on Sunday, May 24. A victory over Austria on Tuesday, May 26, would then send Team USA through.

What are your thoughts on Team USA's chances to advance to the knockout stage? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Ankita Yadav

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar