This is part of our 2026 Olympic Hockey Group Preview series: Group A | Group B
The United States boasts one of the strongest rosters in the world. It does not carry the same Olympic reputation as Canada, but few countries can match its overall ability.
When it comes to Olympic results, however, the U.S. has fallen short. The Americans have not medaled outside North America since 1972, and they have not won a medal on European soil since 1956. Coincidentally, that silver medal came in Milan Cortina.
This American team will view anything less than silver as a disappointment. The U.S. has the second-most talented roster in the tournament, but there is a question of whether it sacrificed too much offense in favor of defense.
The Americans clearly have their eyes on a potential meeting with Canada. They still have to get there first, and Group C will not make that easy.
Here is a look at each team and its best- and worst-case scenarios.
Denmark
Now in its second Olympics, Denmark is a nation on the rise in international hockey. Frederik Andersen and Lars Eller are nearing the end of their careers at 36, but both can still contribute in a group where second place is wide open.
Oliver Bjorkstrand and Nikolaj Ehlers form a strong top line capable of scoring against anyone. Depth will be a concern, as it is for any country outside the top tier. Still, the Danes have shown they can beat elite opponents, most notably stunning Canada at the 2025 World Championships.
Getting a result against Germany will be critical. Denmark could finish anywhere in this group, and a strong start will shape its tournament path.
Best case: Denmark pulls an upset and makes a run at the semifinals.
Worst case: Age catches up and Denmark exits in the first knockout round.
Germany
How Germany deploys its lines will determine its ceiling. The key question is whether to stack Leon Draisaitl and Tim Stützle on one dominant scoring line or split them to create two threats.
With Philipp Grubauer in net, Germany has the flexibility to adjust based on opponent and game state. That adaptability makes the Germans difficult to prepare for and could be the difference in their push for a top-six seed.
Draisaitl will be the best player on the ice in most games Germany plays. If the defense supports him, Germany could emerge as a surprise contender.
Best case: Germany rides Draisaitl and Grubauer into the medal rounds.
Worst case: Draisaitl is neutralized and Germany exits in the quarterfinals.
Latvia
Latvia will need to grind for every result. It has solid goaltending options in Artūrs Šilovs, Elvis Merzļikins, and Kristers Gudļevskis, and whichever netminder starts will need to carry the team.
Simply qualifying is an achievement for a country of roughly 1.8 million people, but Latvia will want to win at least one game in the main draw. Over its past four Olympic appearances, Latvia is 1-16-1, with its lone win coming against Switzerland in 2014.
If Latvia is going to find another victory, it will have to do it the hard way, winning low-scoring games and capitalizing on limited chances. They are not an easy out, but wins will be difficult to secure.
Best case: Latvia avoids defeat at least once in four games.
Worst case: The goaltending falters and Latvia is outmatched in every game.
United States
The blue line is a major strength, with Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski anchoring the defense. The question is whether the United States sacrificed too much offense in an effort to slow down Canada. Dallas’ Jason Robertson, who scored 32 goals this season, is not on the roster. Neither is Montreal’s Cole Caufield.
Instead, the U.S. is relying on its defense and goaltending. That trio could be Connor Hellebuyck, Jeremy Swayman, or Jake Oettinger. At their best, all three are capable of shutting down elite opponents, though each has shown inconsistency during the NHL season.
The Americans will not be satisfied with simply reaching the medal round. They want another shot at Canada after the 4 Nations Faceoff. The key question is whether they have overlooked the rest of the field.
Best case: The goaltending dominates and the U.S. defeats Canada to win gold.
Worst case: The lack of scoring depth proves costly in a semifinal exit without facing Canada.
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