Czechia Rallies Past Switzerland, 6-2, to Reach World Junior Semifinals Three-goal second period swing flips Quarterfinal No. 2 at 3M Arena at Mariucci

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Czechia punched its ticket to the semifinals at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship on Friday afternoon, erasing two early deficits and pulling away for a 6-2 quarterfinal win over Switzerland.

Switzerland set the tone early with layered defending, blocked shots, and strong goaltending from Christian Kirsch, then opened the scoring when Leon Muggli’s point shot found its way through traffic and beat Czech netminder Michal Orsulak. The Swiss protected the middle of the ice effectively for much of the opening period, forcing Czechia to work outside and limiting clean looks.

The momentum shifted sharply in the second. Czechia tied the game less than a minute into the period when Tomas Galvas snapped a high shot past Kirsch. Switzerland answered on the power play to go back in front, with Jamiro Reber finishing a backdoor redirection after crisp puck movement.

From there, the Czechs took control with pace and pressure. Samuel Drancak brought the game level at 2-2, and Adam Jiricek followed 44 seconds later with a quick finish from a tight angle to give Czechia its first lead of the afternoon. Petr Sikora extended the cushion later in the period by cashing in on a rebound at the top of the crease, turning a one-goal game into a 4-2 advantage heading into the third.

Switzerland had opportunities to climb back into it, including a late two-man advantage in the second period that came up empty, and that miss proved costly. Czechia added breathing room early in the third, scoring just after a Swiss penalty expired when Jiri Klima ripped a shot from the slot. Jakub Fibigr sealed it late with a power-play goal to close out the 6-2 final.

The win sends Czechia into the semifinal round, while Switzerland’s tournament run ends in the quarterfinals despite a disciplined start and an early lead.