Finland‘s dream to get the gold was stopped by Canada in the most heartbreaking way possible. The Europeans were winning the game 2-0 and then Canada, without Sidney Crosby, were able to rally and get a shattering comeback that broke Finnish’s hearts. MacKinnon scored the decisive goal with 36 seconds to go.

As for Slovakia, it wasn’t as close. They got trumped by Team USA 6-2 despite Samuel Hlavaj heroics by doing 19 saves on 23 shots before being pulled. Still, Stanislav Skorvanek replaced him and made another 15 saves. However, USA showed there are levels.

What happens if Finland beats Slovakia?

A victory for Finland in this game would give the nordic squad the bronze medal in this Winter Olympics of Milano Cortina. This is a “win and you get in the history books” kind of game. Still, it might feel like a step down as Finland won gold at the last Olympics in Beijing.

Slovakia is not as strong of a team as Finland, at least during this tournament. In the end, Finland’s goal was to validate the gold won four years ago. In the end, Finland is a sizable favorite even in the betting odds.

What happens if Finland and Slovakia tie?

Since Olympic men’s hockey semifinals are single-elimination, a tie at the end of the three 20-minute periods is impossible. Unlike preliminary rounds where a draw might result in shared points, these games must produce a definitive winner to determine who gets the bronze medal.

In case of a tie after three periods, the game enters a 10-minute, 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime. This format is designed to open the ice, placing a premium on transition speed and puck possession. Should the overtime period end scoreless, the winner is decided by a best-of-five shootout featuring an alternating shot sequence.

The technical structure of these rules significantly raises the stakes of every game, which is what you want in a medal game. Coaches are forced to pivot their strategies, tailoring specific lines for the wide-open 3-on-3 format, while goaltenders must prepare for the psychological pressure of a potential shootout.

What happens if Finland loses to Slovakia today?

A loss here would mean that Finland return from the Winter Olympics would be empty-handed. Slovakia would earn the bronze medal while Finland would go from gold-to-none in the span of only one Olympic period.

The comeback began quietly with a gritty deflection by Sam Reinhart late in the second period, cutting Finland’s lead to one. By the third, momentum swung in Canada’s favor as Shea Theodore scored the equalizer with ten minutes remaining, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

The game culminated when Nathan MacKinnon hammered a cross-ice feed from McDavid with just 35 seconds left, beating Finnish goalie Juuse Saros, who made 36 saves, and punching Canada’s ticket to the gold-medal game.

McDavid finished with two points in the contest, moving ahead on the Olympic leaderboards for most points by a Canadian. His poise and leadership under pressure highlighted the passing of the torch from Crosby, whose legendary Olympic career remains celebrated even from the sidelines.

What did McDavid make clear about wearing the captain’s “C”?

When asked about taking the captaincy, McDavid downplayed the moment with characteristic humor: “Just keeping the seat warm for Sid.” he said via NHL reporter Mollie Walker. His performance showed that, even without Crosby, Canada’s top star could drive the team forward in critical moments.

What’s next for Team Canada?

Canada now advances to the gold-medal game, where they will face either the United States or Slovakia. With or without Crosby, one thing is certain: the path to Olympic gold runs through the Maple Leaf, guided by McDavid’s leadership and clutch play.

The injury occurred early in the second period of Canada’s 4‑3 overtime win, forcing Crosby out of the game and into medical evaluation. A recent Sidney Crosby injury update confirmed that he will not be playing today, delivering a significant blow to Team Canada ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics semifinal against Finland.

With Olympic rules requiring a designated captain for every game, and with confirmation that Crosby will not be available, speculation has grown around who will wear the “C” in the semifinal against Finland.

The spotlight naturally focuses on the team’s alternate captains and leading performers as Canada prepares for one of its most consequential matches of the tournament.

Who will wear the “C” with Crosby out?

Hockey Canada officially named Sidney Crosby the team captain for the 2026 Olympics, with Connor McDavid and Cale Makar as alternate captains, according to hockeycanada.ca.

However, with confirmation that Crosby will not play today, the team officially announced that Connor McDavid will wear the ‘C’, with Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon serving as alternates.

Head coach Jon Cooper confirmed that the decision was made with Crosby’s health as the top priority, emphasizing that protecting the team’s star player is critical for Canada’s chances in the remainder of the tournament.

With Crosby sidelined for today’s semifinal, Connor McDavid steps in as Team Canada’s captain, taking on full leadership responsibilities on and off the ice. Supporting him in this role are Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon, who serve as alternate captains.

Will Sidney Crosby return in the 2026 Winter Olympics?

As of now, Sidney Crosby’s return in the 2026 Winter Olympics remains uncertain. The veteran forward has been sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained during the quarterfinals, and medical staff continue to monitor his recovery closely. Head coach Jon Cooper has emphasized a day-to-day approach, prioritizing Crosby’s long-term health over an immediate return. However, with a gold medal on the line, a return is very much possible.

Is Sidney Crosby out for the season with Penguins?

Sidney Crosby is not expected to be out for the season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The lower-body injury that sidelined him at the Olympics is not believed to be long term, and early indications suggest the team is prioritizing caution rather than dealing with a serious setback. While his return timeline will depend on recovery and medical evaluation, the outlook does not point to an extended absence from the NHL season.

NHL insider Emily Kaplan offered the latest update on Crosby’s situation, giving a sense of cautious optimism: “Sure sounds like it’s not worst case scenario with Sidney Crosby’s lower body injury. As I reported, he’d like to play, he’s trying to play, but Team Canada doesn’t know if he’ll be able to play. Lineup vs Finland due one hour before puck drop.”

Even if Crosby is limited or unable to take the ice, Team Canada has depth and leadership to rely on, including Connor McDavid, Nick Suzuki or other roster adjustments could fill the gap, while leadership responsibilities may shift more heavily onto McDavid.

Will Sidney Crosby play today for Canada vs Finland in 2026 Winter Olympics?

No. Sidney Crosby will not play today for Team Canada against Finland in the 2026 Winter Olympics semifinal. The star forward has been officially ruled out due to a lower-body injury sustained in the quarterfinals.

Crosby had hoped to return, but medical staff determined that playing today would risk further aggravating the injury. Head coach Jon Cooper confirmed the decision, prioritizing the long-term health of the captain over immediate participation.

With Crosby out, Connor McDavid will be the captain in a historic day. Team Canada now faces Finland relying on depth, strategy, and collective effort in this pivotal semifinal.

[Watch Netherlands vs Finland online in the US on Fubo]

This matchup is shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown with major World Cup implications. The Netherlands enter as group leaders and hold the inside track to direct qualification, but their spot is anything but secure, sitting just three points ahead of their nearest challengers.

Finland stands as one of those threats, heading into a must-win stretch where they’ll need to collect all six points from their final two games to keep their qualification hopes alive, especially since they won’t feature on the last Matchday.

When will the Netherlands vs Finland match be played?

Netherlands will face Finland this Sunday, October 12, for Matchday 8 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 12:00 PM (ET).

Netherlands vs Finland: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:00 PM
CT: 11:00 AM
MT: 10:00 AM
PT: 9:00 AM

How to watch Netherlands vs Finland in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Netherlands and Finland will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: FS1, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, ViX.

Lewandowski is Poland‘s all-time leading scorer, and his contributions on the field have garnered recognition from peers and opponents across Europe and globally. His leadership and scoring prowess make him an indispensable asset to the team.

Speculation has arisen regarding the reasons behind Lewandowski’s omission from the national squad. Lewandowski’s decision to step back from international duty is contingent upon a change in leadership.

Why is Lewandowski not playing today?

Robert Lewandowski decided not to play with Poland today against Finland and in other upcoming matchups until Michal Probierz leaves Polish National Team head coach position. With a post on his X account, Lewandowski explained why he is not playing in the European World Cup Qualifiers today.

“Given the circumstances and my loss of trust in the Polish national team’s coach, I’ve decided to pause my participation with the national team until there is a change in leadership. I hope to return and represent the best fans in the world once more,” Lewandowski stated.

Polish National Team’s statement

Following Lewandowski’s announcement, the Polish National Team released a statement affirming that the decision from Probierz of changing the captain of the national team was communicated. And that could be the reason behind Lewandowski’s decision to not play against Finland.

“Head coach Michal Probierz has appointed Piotr Zielinski as the new captain of the Polish national team,” the statement read. “The coach informed Robert Lewandowski, as well as the entire team and coaching staff, about his decision personally.”

[Watch Finland vs Netherlands online for FREE in the US on Fubo]

The Netherlands enter their first match of the qualifiers carrying high expectations as one of UEFA’s top squads, and they’re widely favored to win the group—but now must back up that status with results.

They’ll be tested right away by Finland, who have started strong with four points from their first two matches. While the Dutch boast more firepower and ranking, Finland will view this as a crucial opportunity to prove they belong in the qualification race.

When will the Finland vs Netherlands match be played?

Finland play against Netherlands this Saturday, June 7, for Matchday 3 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

Finland vs Netherlands: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Finland vs Netherlands in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Finland and Netherlands will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo with a free trial. Other options: ViX.

[Watch Finland vs England for free in the USA on Fubo]

England are reeling from a shocking loss to Greece on Matchday 3, a result that few saw coming. The Greeks pulled off an unexpected upset at Wembley, snatching the win and, with it, the top spot in the group. Now, England face added pressure as they look to bounce back, knowing that anything less than a victory could jeopardize their chances of advancing.

Their next challenge comes in the form of Finland, a side that has only lost once since the start of the Nations League. However, Finland will need to turn things around quickly, as another defeat could put their status in the competition at serious risk.

Finland vs England: Kick-Off Time in your country

Argentina: 1:00 PM

Australia: 2:00 AM (October 14)

Bangladesh: 10:00 PM

Canada: 12:00 PM

Finland: 6:00 PM

France: 6:00 PM

Germany: 6:00 PM

India: 9:30 PM

Indonesia: 12:00 AM (October 14)

Ireland: 5:00 PM

Italy: 6:00 PM

Malaysia: 12:00 AM (October 14)

Mexico: 10:00 AM

Netherlands: 6:00 PM

Nigeria: 5:00 PM

Portugal: 5:00 PM

South Africa: 6:00 PM

Spain: 6:00 PM

UAE: 8:00 PM

UK: 5:00 PM

United States: 12:00 PM (ET)

Finland vs England: TV Channel and Live Streaming in your country

Source: Livesoccertv.com

Argentina: Disney+ Argentina

Australia: Optus Sport

Bangladesh: tapmad, Sony LIV, SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 2 HD

Canada: DAZN Canada

Finland: Elisa Viihde Viaplay, MTV Katsomo, YLE TV2, V Sport Premium

France: Molotov, Free, L’Equipe

Germany: DAZN Deutschland, DAZN1 Germany

India: JioTV, Sony LIV, SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 2 HD

International: UEFA.tv, Sport 24 Extra

Ireland: ITVX, ITV 1 UK, STV Scotland, UTV, TalkSport Radio UK, BBC Radio 5 Live

Mexico: Sky+, Sky Sports Mexico

Netherlands: Ziggo Sport 2

Nigeria: DStv Now, SuperSport OTT 2, SuperSport Premier League Nigeria, SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport MaXimo 2

Portugal: Sport TV Multiscreen, Match Player, Sport TV2

South Africa: DStv App, SuperSport OTT 2, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport MaXimo 2

United Arab Emirates: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, TOD, beIN Sports HD 1, beIN Sports English

UK: ITVX, ITV 1 UK, STV Scotland, UTV, TalkSport Radio UK, BBC Radio 5 Live

USA: Fubo (free trial), Fox Sports, ViX

[Watch England vs Finland for free in the USA on Fubo]

England kicked off their Nations League campaign with a 2-0 win over Ireland, reinforcing their status as frontrunners in Group 2. Despite this strong start, the team must remain cautious and focused as they progress, avoiding any pitfalls of overconfidence. Their next challenge will come in the form of Finland, who suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Greece in their opener.

Finland face a critical juncture in their Nations League journey, as another loss could severely impact their chances of advancement. Having already been outclassed by Greece, they now must contend with a formidable England side. They will have to look for a positive result since another defeat would complicate their situation.

England vs Finland: Kick-Off Time in Your country

Argentina: 3:45 PM
Australia: 4:45 AM (September 11)
Bangladesh: 12:45 AM (September 11)
Canada: 2:45 PM
Finland: 8:45 PM
France: 8:45 PM
Germany: 8:45 PM
India: 12:15 AM (September 11)
Indonesia: 2:45 AM (September 11)
Ireland: 7:45 PM
Italy: 8:45 PM
Malaysia: 2:45 AM (September 11)
Mexico: 12:45 PM
Netherlands: 8:45 PM
Nigeria: 7:45 PM
Portugal: 7:45 PM
South Africa: 8:45 PM
Spain: 8:45 PM
UAE: 10:45 PM
UK: 7:45 PM
United States: 2:45 PM (ET)

England vs Finland: TV Channel and Live Streaming in Your country

Source: Livesoccertv.com

Argentina: Disney+ Argentina
Australia: Optus Sport
Bangladesh: tapmad, Sony LIV
Canada: DAZN Canada
Finland: Elisa Viihde Viaplay, MTV Katsomo, V Sport Football, YLE TV2
France: L’Équipe Live Foot
Germany: DAZN Deutschland, DAZN1 Germany
India: JioTV, Sony LIV
International: UEFA.tv, Sport 24 Extra
Republic of Ireland: ITVX, ITV 1 UK, STV Scotland, UTV, Virgin Media Two, TalkSport Radio UK, BBC Radio 5 Live
Mexico: Sky+, Sky Sports Mexico
Nigeria: DStv Now, SuperSport Premier League Nigeria, SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport MaXimo 2
Portugal: Sport TV Multiscreen, Match Player, Sport TV2
South Africa: DStv App, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport MaXimo 2
United Arab Emirates: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, TOD, beIN Sports HD 1, beIN Sports English
UK: ITVX, STV Player, ITV 1 UK, STV Scotland, UTV, TalkSport Radio UK, BBC Radio 5 Live
USA: Fubo (free trial), Fox Sports, ViX

This will be their 63rd overall meeting. There are no surprises here as Norway men’s national soccer team are the obvious favorites in head-to-head clashes, having celebrated a victory on 39 occasions so far. Finland have won only nine times so far, and the remaining 14 matches ended in a draw.

Their last duel took place on March 29, 2016, when the game ended in a 2-0 win for the Lions in a friendly exhibition. It promises to be an even more exciting clash as they clash for the first time since then, this time in the 2022 International Friendly.

Norway vs Finland: Kick-off Time

Argentina: 10:00 AM
Australia: 12:00 AM (Next day)
Bangladesh: 7:00 PM
Belgium: 2:00 PM
Brazil: 10:00 AM
Cameroon: 2:00 PM
Canada: 8:00 AM (ET)
Costa Rica: 7:00 AM
Croatia: 2:00 PM
Denmark: 2:00 PM
Ecuador: 8:00 AM
Egypt: 3:00 PM
France: 2:00 PM
Germany: 2:00 PM
Ghana: 1:00 PM
India: 6:30 PM
Indonesia: 9:00 PM
Iran: 4:30 PM
Ireland: 1:00 PM
Israel: 3:00 PM
Italy: 2:00 PM
Jamaica: 8:00 AM
Japan: 10:00 PM
Kenya: 4:00 PM
Malaysia: 9:00 PM
Mexico: 7:00 AM
Morocco: 2:00 PM
Netherlands: 2:00 PM
New Zealand: 2:00 AM (Next day)
Nigeria: 2:00 PM
Norway: 2:00 PM
Poland: 2:00 PM
Portugal: 1:00 PM
Qatar: 4:00 PM
Saudi Arabia: 4:00 PM
Senegal: 1:00 PM
Serbia: 2:00 PM
Singapore: 9:00 PM
South Africa: 3:00 PM
South Korea: 10:00 PM
Spain: 2:00 PM
Sweden: 2:00 PM
Switzerland: 2:00 PM
Tanzania: 4:00 PM
Trinidad and Tobago: 9:00 AM
Tunisia: 2:00 PM
Uganda: 4:00 PM
UAE: 5:00 PM
UK: 1:00 PM
United States: 8:00 AM (ET)

Norway vs Finland: TV Channel and Live Streaming

Bangladesh: SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 2 HD, Sony LIV
Brazil: Estádio TNT Sports, GUIGO
Canada: DAZN
Egypt: beIN Sports English, TOD, beIN Sports HD 2, beIN SPORTS CONNECT
France: Molotov, L’Equipe Web, L’Equipe, Free
Germany: DAZN, DAZN2
India: JioTV, SONY TEN 2, Sony LIV, SONY TEN 2 HD
Iran: TOD, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN Sports English, beIN Sports HD 2
Israel:5Plus
Finland: Elisa Viihde Viaplay,V Sport 2 Finland
Japan:DAZN
Korea Republic: SPOTV ON
Morocco: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN Sports HD 2, TOD, beIN Sports English
Netherlands:Ziggo Sport 14, Ziggo Sport Voetbal, Ziggo Sport Select
Norway: TVNorge, TV 2 Play
Portugal: Sport TV Multiscreen, Sport TV3
Qatar: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN Sports English, TOD, beIN Sports HD 2
Saudi Arabia:beIN Sports HD 2, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, TOD
Sweden: C More Sweden, C More Fotball, Discovery+
Switzerland: DAZN
Tunisia: TOD, beIN Sports HD 2, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN Sports English
United Arab Emirates: beIN Sports English, beIN Sports HD 2, TOD, beIN SPORTS CONNECT
United States: ESPN+