Ice Hockey-Helenius Is the Hero as Finland Beat Swiss in World Final
Konsta Helenius scored 10:42 into overtime as Finland claimed its fifth world crown and denied Switzerland its first home gold.
- On Sunday, Finland defeated Switzerland 1-0 in overtime at Swiss Life Arena in Zurich to win the 2026 IIHF Hockey World Championship, as forward Konsta Helenius scored the deciding goal 10:42 into sudden-death overtime to secure a fifth world title.
- Following a 4-2 group stage defeat to Switzerland—their only tournament loss—the Finns employed a defensive strategy to limit scoring opportunities in this rematch. "We defended well and that was the plan," Helenius said.
- Goalkeepers dominated regulation play, with Finland netminder Justus Annunen making 22 saves and Switzerland goaltender Leonardo Genoni stopping 22 of 23 shots, keeping the match scoreless through two periods until overtime.
- Switzerland fell in their third consecutive final in three years, failing to secure their first-ever gold medal on home ice despite hosting the championship at Swiss Life Arena.
- Finland captain Aleksander Barkov sparked the Finns with 3 goals and 8 assists across 10 games, leading celebrations at the Havis Amanda statue in Helsinki as fans marked the country's first medal since 2022.
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Young Konsta Helenius led the Finns to the world ice hockey championship title with a golden goal. Barely 18-year-old Tinus Luc Koblar took bronze with the Norwegians.
For the fifth time, Swiss national ice hockey players are losing a World Cup final, this time against Finland. A golden generation is running out of time.
Finland claims fifth ice hockey world championship
Finland’s men’s ice hockey team are returning home on Monday after winning the world championship with a 1-0 overtime victory over Switzerland in Zurich. The title was Finland’s fifth in men’s ice hockey. The winning goal came from Konsta Helenius, who ended the final at 70 minutes and 42 seconds. The result left tournament host Switzerland with silver for the third successive time. Switzerland has not scored in any of those three finals.
Home advantage, star player, euphoria and yet the world championship for Switzerland ends with a defeat as in previous years. Finland won the host's title after extension. However, it is very scarce.
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