Milano Cortina 2026: Men’s Tournament Preview Part 2
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 are fast approaching, with the men’s curling tournament set to kick off at the Cortina Olympic Curling Stadium. The competition begins on Wednesday, with the men’s round robin phase. Semifinals are scheduled for February 19, followed by the bronze medal game on February 20 and the gold medal game on February 21. With 14 medal winners, including eight gold medalists, this lineup features some of the strongest teams in curling history.
Teams Competing for Gold in Milano Cortina 2026
Germany
- Lineup: Marc Muskatewitz (skip), Benjamin Kapp (third), Felix Messenzehl (second), Johannes Scheuerl (lead), Mario Trevisiol (alternate)
- World Ranking: No. 17
- Average Age: 24 (Muskatewitz is 30, teammates are 22-23)
Germany’s squad, from Curling Club Füssen, is the youngest in this year’s tournament. Muskatewitz has competed in seven world championships, achieving his best result in 2024 when he reached the quarterfinals and won the European Curling Championships.
Norway
- Lineup: Magnus Ramsfjell (skip), Martin Sesasker (third), Bendik Ramsfjell (second), Gaute Nepstad (lead), Wilhelm Naess (alternate)
- World Ranking: No. 16
This team, from Trondheim Curlingklubb, boasts substantial international experience. Ramsfjell won bronze at the 2024 European Championship and has participated in multiple World Men’s Curling Championships. However, he has yet to secure a podium finish at the World level.
Sweden
- Lineup: Niklas Edin (skip), Oskar Eriksson (third), Rasmus Wranå (second), Christoffer Sundgren (lead), Simon Olofsson (alternate)
- World Ranking: No. 12
The reigning Olympic champions from Karlstads Curlingklubb, Edin’s team has faced challenges recently, finishing 0-5 in the Crown Royal Players’ Championship. Edin, a seasoned athlete, aims to defend his title, which would make him the first skip in history to do so at the Olympics.
Switzerland
- Lineup: Yannick Schwaller (skip/third), Benoît Schwarz-van Berkel (vice skip/fourth), Sven Michel (second), Pablo Lachat-Couchepin (lead), Kim Schwaller (alternate)
- World Ranking: No. 2
Led by Schwaller and Schwarz-van Berkel, Switzerland is a formidable contender and the reigning world silver medallist. Schwaller has long aspired to Olympic glory, and his team’s early selection has given them an advantage in preparation, allowing earlier training and strategic discussions.
United States
- Lineup: Daniel Casper (skip), Luc Violette (third), Ben Richardson (second), Aidan Oldenburg (lead), Rich Ruohonen (alternate)
- World Ranking: No. 6
Based in Minnesota, Casper’s team recently made headlines by defeating Olympic champion John Shuster in the U.S. Olympic Trials. Casper, 24, is part of a young squad that has developed strong camaraderie with veteran players from Shuster’s team, fostering a supportive environment leading up to the Winter Games.
The Milano Cortina 2026 men’s curling tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of skill and competition, with teams eager to claim Olympic gold.
