Switzerland defeated France 4-0 in their opening match of the men’s hockey tournament at the XXV Winter Olympic Games in Milan on February 12, 2026. The decisive victory highlights Switzerland’s strong start in Group A, although France struggled to break through a solid Swiss defense.
Damien Riat scored the first goal just 55 seconds into the game during a power play, and Janis Moser, a player for the Tampa Bay Lightning, extended the lead to 2-0 early in the fourth minute.
Despite the early deficit, France’s goalkeeper, Antoine Keller, kept his team in contention for a significant period, making 39 saves throughout the game. But, the Swiss ultimately broke through with a goal from New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier less than 10 minutes from the complete of regulation, and Meier added another goal with just under four minutes remaining to seal the 4-0 victory.
Swiss goaltender Leonardo Genoni earned a shutout, stopping all 27 shots he faced.
Competition in Group C is set to begin this evening, with the United States widely favored to emerge as the group winner. The U.S. Team is aiming to end a long drought for American hockey, having last won Olympic gold at the 1980 Winter Games in Lake Placid. After securing their first World Championship title in 65 years last year, the American squad boasts an even more impressive roster for the Milan games.
The U.S. Team appears to have few weaknesses, with Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews leading the charge. Other key players include Jack Eichel, brothers Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, top NHL defensemen Zach Werenski and Quinn Hughes, and three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck.
The U.S. Will face Latvia in their opening game, with nine players from the Czech Extraliga on Latvia’s roster, including Martins Dzierkals of Sparta Prague and Janis Jaks of Karlovy Vary.
Germany will likewise begin their tournament against Denmark, featuring Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl and seven other NHL players, including elite Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider and goaltender Philipp Grubauer. Denmark will rely on the offensive skills of Nick Olesen, a standout player for HC České Budějovice.
| XXV Winter Olympic Games: |
|---|
| Hockey – Men (Milan): |
| Group A: |
| Switzerland – France 4:0 (2:0, 0:0, 2:0) |
| Goals and Assists: 1. Riat (Kurashev, Andrighetto), 4. J. Moser (Fora), 51. Meier (Josi, Kukan), 57. Meier (Moser, Fiala). Referees: Pochmara (USA), Schrader (Germany) – Davis, Murray (both USA). Penalties: 4:5. Power Play: 1:0. Attendance: 10,627. |
| Switzerland: Genoni – Josi, Glauser, Siegenthaler, Kukan, J. Moser, Fora, Marti – Fiala, Hischier, Thürkauf – Andrighetto, Malgin, Niederreiter – Kurashev, P. Suter, Meier – Riat, Jäger, Bertschy – S. Schmid. Coach: Fischer. |
| France: A. Keller – Boscq, Gallet, Chakiachvili, Cantagallo, Crinon, Guebey, Dair, Thiry – S. Treille, Addamo, Douay – Texier, S. Da Costa, Bertrand – Perret, Bellemare, Fabre – K. Bozon, Boudon, Rech. Coach: Y. Treille. |
| More on the Czech Republic’s game can be found HERE |
| Group C: |
| 9:10 PM Latvia – USA |
| 9:10 PM Germany – Denmark |
