Team USA Eyes Group C Sweep, Top Seed as Germany Looms in Olympic Showdown
The stakes are rising in Milan as Team USA prepares to wrap up its preliminary round at the 2026 Winter Olympics, facing a formidable German squad in what’s shaping up to be their toughest test yet. A win would not only complete a sweep of Group C but also secure the Americans a direct ticket to the quarterfinals and the inside track on a top seed. But this isn’t just about seeding-it’s a chance for the U.S. to send a clear message: this team isn’t just talented on paper, it’s built to win now.
And make no mistake, this roster is stacked. With NHL players back in Olympic competition for the first time since 2014, head coach Mike Sullivan has one of the most complete lineups the U.S. has ever iced.
From front to back, this team has it all-scoring depth, high-end skill, elite goaltending, and the kind of gritty, two-way players who thrive in tournament hockey. It’s a group designed not just to compete, but to dominate.
But before the Americans can start looking ahead to the knockout rounds, they’ll have to get through a German team that’s no longer content to play the underdog role. Germany has evolved into a legitimate international power, led by superstar center Leon Draisaitl, arguably the best passer in the world, and defenseman Moritz Seider, who brings a Norris Trophy-caliber presence to the blue line. This is a team that can beat you with skill, structure, and confidence-and they’ve done it before.
Just ask the Americans. The last time these two met in a high-stakes setting, Germany stunned the U.S. with a 4-3 overtime win in the 2023 IIHF World Championship semifinals.
That loss still stings, and you can bet it’s not lost on the returning players in red, white, and blue. Sunday’s rematch offers a shot at redemption-and a chance to show just how far this program has come.
What’s on the Line
For Team USA, the math is simple: win, and they top Group C, avoiding the Qualification Playoff and heading straight to the quarterfinals. For Germany, a victory would mark another milestone in their rise, adding weight to their 2018 Olympic silver medal and reinforcing their status as a team that belongs in the medal conversation every time they hit the ice.
How to Watch USA vs. Germany
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 15
- Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
- Venue: Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy
- TV: USA Network
- Streaming: Peacock
Peacock is the go-to streaming home for every event of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, including all Team USA hockey matchups.
Team USA’s Remaining Olympic Schedule
Here’s a look at what’s ahead, depending on how the Americans finish the group stage:
| Round | Date | Time (ET) | Broadcast |
|---|
| Qualification Playoff | Tuesday, Feb. 17 | TBD | Peacock / USA Network |
| Quarterfinals | Wednesday, Feb. 18 | TBD | Peacock / NBC / USA Network |
| Semifinals | Friday, Feb. 20 | 10:40 AM / 3:10 PM | Peacock / NBC / USA Network |
| Bronze Medal Game | Saturday, Feb. 21 | 2:40 PM | Peacock / USA Network |
| Gold Medal Game | Sunday, Feb. 22 | 8:10 AM | Peacock / NBC |
Team USA Roster Breakdown
This year’s roster is a blend of star power, youth, and playoff-tested experience. Up front, Auston Matthews wears the “C” and leads a forward group that includes the Tkachuk brothers, Jack Hughes, Jack Eichel, and Dylan Larkin-names that can tilt the ice in any matchup. On the back end, Quinn Hughes and Charlie McAvoy headline a mobile, skilled blue line, while the goaltending trio of Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman gives Sullivan options-and confidence-no matter who gets the start.
Forwards
- Auston Matthews (C) - Toronto Maple Leafs
- Matthew Tkachuk (A) - Florida Panthers
- Brady Tkachuk - Ottawa Senators
- Jack Hughes - New Jersey Devils
- Jack Eichel - Vegas Golden Knights
- Dylan Larkin - Detroit Red Wings
- Tage Thompson - Buffalo Sabres
- Kyle Connor - Winnipeg Jets
- J.T.
Miller - Vancouver Canucks
- Matt Boldy - Minnesota Wild
- Jake Guentzel - Tampa Bay Lightning
- Clayton Keller - Utah Mammoth
- Vincent Trocheck - New York Rangers
- Brock Nelson - New York Islanders
Defensemen
- Quinn Hughes - Vancouver Canucks
- Charlie McAvoy (A) - Boston Bruins
- Zach Werenski - Columbus Blue Jackets
- Jaccob Slavin - Carolina Hurricanes
- Brock Faber - Minnesota Wild
- Jake Sanderson - Ottawa Senators
- Noah Hanifin - Vegas Golden Knights
- Jackson LaCombe - Anaheim Ducks
Goaltenders
- Connor Hellebuyck - Winnipeg Jets
- Jake Oettinger - Dallas Stars
- Jeremy Swayman - Boston Bruins
Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Mike Sullivan (Support staff not listed in detail)
Sunday’s game isn’t just another group stage matchup-it’s a litmus test. The U.S. has looked the part so far, but Germany offers a real challenge, the kind of opponent that forces you to dig deep and show what you’re made of. If Team USA wants to make a serious run at gold, it starts with taking care of business against a team that’s already proven it can play spoiler.
Puck drops at 3:10 p.m. ET. Buckle up.