The 2026 U18 World Junior Championship will take place in Trencin & Bratislava, Slovakia, starting tomorrow and running through May 2, 2026. The 25-man rosters for both Canada and the United States have been announced, and are attached. Canada will be seeking a third straight gold medal at this tournament. The Americans were bronze medalists last season, and won the silver medal in 2024.
Team Canada has 19 players on its roster who are eligible for the 2026 draft, the highest-ranking player being Keaton Verhoeff (NCAA North Dakota) at #4. Projected first-rounders Ryan Lin (WHL Vancouver), Tynan Lawrence (NCAA Boston U.) & Maddox Dagenais (QMJHL Quebec) also occupy roster spots. The remaining 6 players are 2008 birth years also, but were born after September 15. As such, their respective draft years are in 2027. Included among these younger players is potential first overall ’27 pick Alexis Joseph, a forward for Saint John in the QMJHL. Also, two of Canada’s three goaltenders (Quebec’s Patrick Deniger and Spokane’s Carter Esler) have late birthdays, and thus are 2027 draft prospects.
Team USA boasts much high-end talent as well. The Americans have 16 players who are 2026 draft-eligible, including two projected first-rounders (forwards Wyatt Cullen & Casey Mutryn) & the top-ranked North American goaltender (Brady Knowling). The Americans also have eight 2027 draft prospects, and one for 2028 (forward Brayden Willis).
Please look for updates regarding the progress of this tournament.