Team Canada has clinched a playoff spot in the semifinals of the men’s Olympic curling tournament at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan/Cortina D’Ampezzo. On Wednesday, Canada defeated Italy 8-3 to improve to a record of seven wins and one loss.
The turning point in this game came in the fifth end. With Italy leading Canada 3-2, Italian skip Joel Retornaz tried to blank the end and retain the hammer, but flashed, allowing Canada to tie the game at three. Then in the sixth end, Canada put constant pressure on Italy and stole four more points. After another stolen point for Canada in the seventh end, Italy shook hands.
Canada is in second place with one draw left. They cannot go up and cannot go down. Their final round robin opponent is Norway at 1am MT. Norway needs a win to reach the semifinals.
On the women’s side, Canada beat Italy 8-7 in extra ends to improve to a record of five wins and three losses. The Italian team skipped by Stefania Constantini, tied the game at seven with three points in the 10th end before Homan made a great draw in the 11th end to win the game. Canada now plays South Korea on Thursday (6am MT). A win and they are in the semifinals, and a loss and they are out.
