U.S. Men’s Curling Defeats Defending Gold Medalists in Surreal Match

Bassyonni

Published: February 15, 2026 9:04 AM ET

U.S. Men’s Curling Defeats Defending Gold Medalists in Surreal Match

In a stunning turn of events, Team USA’s men’s curling team achieved a remarkable victory against Sweden, the reigning Olympic gold medalists. The match took place during the Milan Cortina Games, where Team USA showcased their talent with an 8-5 win.

Young Team Triumphs Over Veteran Opponents

Comprising four players, all under the age of 27, Team USA demonstrated exceptional poise and skill. The youngest team in the tournament capitalized on Sweden’s mistakes to lead the match for the majority of its duration. Ben Richardson, a member of Team USA, expressed the surreal nature of their victory, stating, “I’d probably be pinching myself, for sure.”

Key Moments of the Match

First Lead: Team USA took the lead in the fourth end after a misstep by Sweden’s Niklas Edin, allowing Team USA to score three points.
Increased Lead: A crucial throw by skip Danny Casper in the seventh end extended the U.S. lead to 6-3.
Game Deciding Moment: Casper earned his game-high 14th takeout in the tenth end, forcing Sweden to concede and securing the victory.

The American team finished with an impressive 84 percent success rate, totaling 39 takeouts during the match. Luc Violette contributed significantly with 13 takeouts, reinforcing the team’s strong performance.

Sweden’s Struggles

Despite their championship history, Sweden faced challenges in this match, struggling to adapt to the ice conditions. Oskar Eriksson, a member of the Swedish team, acknowledged their difficulties, stating, “We’ve just got to figure out the ice faster tomorrow.” With a disappointing 1-4 record thus far, the defending champions aim to regroup for their upcoming matches.

Implications for the Tournament

Following their victory, Team USA’s record improved to 3-2, placing them fifth in the standings. The top four teams advance to the semifinals, keeping the pressure on as they prepare to face Norway next.

Upcoming Match: Team USA vs. Norway at 1:05 p.m. ET.
Current Standings: Team USA (3-2), Sweden (1-4).

Richardson emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, stating, “I think we’re getting a better handle on the ice with each game.” The team is determined to build on their success as they chase a spot in the semifinals.