The women’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina is one of the most anticipated competitions of the Games. With North American rivals squarely in the spotlight and several European teams making genuine progress, the rest of the world will be gunning for the USA and Canada. As the puck drops on February 5, teams from around the world will compete for Olympic gold, but only a few are realistically positioned to reach the podium. Here, I break down the tournament and make my 2026 Olympic women’s hockey prediction.
Olympic Women’s Hockey Betting Odds
Below are the current odds for teams to win gold in the women’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- USA: -145
- Canada: +115
- Czechia: +2500
- Finland: +3500
- Sweden: +6500
- Switzerland: +10000
- Japan: +25000
- Germany: +25000
- Italy and France: +80000
Olympic Women’s Hockey Major Storylines
One of the biggest storylines entering the 2026 Winter Games is the historical rivalry between the United States and Canada. Since women’s ice hockey was introduced to the Olympics in 1998, these two countries have dominated the event. They have won every gold medal between them, and this year is likely to be no different despite strong competition.
The United States enters this tournament at the top of the international power rankings after winning the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, with a roster brimming with skill and scoring ability and several PWHL stars contributing at elite levels. Their recent form has been strong, including a sweep of Canada in a late-season rivalry series, adding to their favorite status.
Canada, while slightly behind the United States in recent results, brings an experienced group led by veterans such as Marie-Philip Poulin. Their lineup has a championship pedigree from multiple past Olympics, and they remain a serious contender for gold. The Canada vs USA matchups will likely determine who claims top honors in Milan.
While the United States and Canada will garner most of the attention, European teams are pushing forward and threatening to disrupt the traditional hierarchy. Czechia has notably improved and aims for a landmark podium finish, led by dynamic young talent eager to make an impact on the Olympic stage. Meanwhile, Finland enters with a veteran team seeking to continue their track record of finishing among medalists at major tournaments. Switzerland has aspirations of returning to the medal round after a strong performance in recent World Championships. Sweden, Japan, Germany, Italy, and France round out a competitive field that, while unlikely to dethrone the North American giants, can spring surprises in individual games.
Olympic Women’s Hockey Medal Contenders
Below are the primary teams expected to realistically compete for medals, based on current rankings, recent international form, and my own expectations:
- United States – The reigning world champions and most consistent team over the past year, they bring a blend of offensive firepower and defensive stability. Their depth across lines and goaltending quality make them the top pick to capture gold.
- Canada – With multiple Olympic titles and a roster heavy on experience, Canada remains a strong title threat. They have championship winners and high-impact players capable of turning tight games in their favour.
- Finland – A perennial contender for bronze, Finland’s strong veteran presence and disciplined play make them a smart selection for a podium finish. They are especially dangerous in tight, defensive-oriented contests.
- Czech Republic – Emerging as a threatening challenger, their offensive approach and recent progress at world tournaments can propel them into medal contention if key players perform at peak levels.
Olympic Women’s Hockey Betting Prediction
Pick:
Confidence: 4 out of 5
Final Thoughts
