Sunday's men's hockey tournament final between the USA and Canada will become the culminating point of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Despite numerous speculations, President Donald Trump has declined a personal visit to Italy, citing obligations in Washington. However, FBI Director Kash Patel will be in the stands. The sporting excitement is intensified by the tense political atmosphere between the North American neighbors and the return of NHL stars to the Olympic ice.

Dream Final in Hockey

The USA and Canada will face off in an Olympic final for the first time since 2010, featuring the biggest NHL stars.

Trump Cancels Visit

The US president will not appear in Italy; the country will be represented by FBI Director Kash Patel.

Final Polish Highlight

Cross-country skier Eliza Rucka-Michałek will start in Sunday's 50 km classic technique race.

Sunday's gold medal clash in ice hockey between the United States and Canada electrifies fans worldwide. This is the first Olympic tournament in 12 years featuring the best players from the professional NHL. The Americans, led by a new generation of talent, dream of repeating the legendary "Miracle on Ice" from 1980. Meanwhile, Canada, as a nine-time Olympic champion, aims to reclaim the primacy lost after the Sochi Games. The rivalry has a deep political subtext, stemming from recent statements by the US president-elect regarding the potential annexation of Canada as the 51st state and disputes over tariffs. The hockey rivalry between the USA and Canada, commonly called the "Battle for America," was born at the dawn of the sport in the late 19th century. The first official hockey tournament at the Olympics took place in 1920 in Antwerp (during the Summer Games), and Canada dominated the discipline for decades before the USA became an equal rival. Although Italian media had been preparing for Donald Trump's visit for many days, the White House ultimately did not confirm his arrival. According to reports from the newspaper "Corriere della Sera," the president decided to remain in the country to oversee economic issues and trade disputes. In his place at the match will be Kash Patel, the new head of the FBI and a declared hockey fan. The closing ceremony itself will take place in the ancient amphitheater in Verona, where the Olympic flame will be extinguished in the presence of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. For Polish fans, the final highlight will be Eliza Rucka-Michałek's start in the 50-kilometer cross-country ski race. 46 years — Americans wait for another Olympic gold in hockey Besides hockey, the final day of the Games will bring decisions in curling, where the Swiss will battle the Swedes for gold, and in four-man bobsleigh. In the ice channel in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Swiss pilot Michael Vogt, currently in sixth place halfway through the competition, is fighting for a medal, while his compatriot Cédric Follador is in fourth position. The entire competition will conclude with the official closing ceremony, which is meant to be a tribute to Italian culture and Verona's operatic tradition. Final Day of the 2026 Games: February 22, 06:00 — Pubs Open in Ontario; February 22, 10:00 — Eliza Rucka-Michałek's Start; February 22, 14:10 — USA vs Canada Hockey Final; February 22, 20:00 — Closing Ceremony Potential of Hockey Giants: Last Gold: USA (1980) → Canada (2014); Number of Titles: USA: 2 → Canada: 9; Team Star: Auston Matthews → Connor McDavid

Mentioned People

  • Donald Trump — US President, who declined to attend the hockey final and closing ceremony of the Games.
  • Kash Patel — FBI Director, who will represent the USA at the Olympic hockey final.
  • Connor McDavid — Captain of the Canadian national team and one of the best hockey players in the world.
  • Eliza Rucka-Michałek — Polish cross-country skier competing on the final day of the Games.