Finland wins ice hockey world title in overtime: Norway claims historic bronze

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Finland clinches ice hockey world championship gold in overtime, while Norway secures historic bronze

Finland’s national ice hockey team, *Leijonat*, claimed the 2026 IIHF World Championship title after a dramatic 1-0 overtime victory over Switzerland, with forward Konsta Helenius scoring the decisive goal. The win, secured in front of jubilant fans in Helsinki’s central *Manta* square, marks Finland’s first gold since 2022 and cements its status as a global hockey powerhouse. Head coach Antti Pennanen hailed captain Aleksander Barkov’s leadership in an emotional post-match address, scribbling his notes in pencil rather than ink—a nod to the team’s understated, workmanlike ethos .

The final unfolded in tense fashion, with Switzerland nearly breaking the deadlock in the second period before Finland’s Jesse Puljujärvi struck the post in a pivotal moment. The 0-0 stalemate persisted until Helenius’ overtime heroics, sparking wild celebrations among the thousands of fans who had gathered in *Manta* and at *Konepajan Biergarten* in Vallila, where chants of *"Suomi!"* echoed through the night .

Meanwhile, Norway made history by defeating Canada 3-2 in the bronze-medal match, earning its first-ever IIHF World Championship medal. Norwegian players embraced the moment with unbridled joy, with one declaring, *"I’m going to drink beer—at least"* .

The tournament’s climax underscores Finland’s dominance in recent years, with this gold adding to its 2019 and 2022 titles. The victory also highlights the emergence of young talent like Helenius, who at 20 becomes one of the youngest players to score a championship-winning goal. With the 2027 World Championship set to be co-hosted by Germany and Denmark, Finland’s reign as defending champions will face fresh tests on foreign ice.

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Finland wins ice hockey world title in overtime: Norway claims historic bronze

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MM-kultajuhlat | Jotkut onnistuivat kiipeämään suojatun Mantan päälle Jo etukäteen Mantalle saapuneet Leijonien fanit juhlivat Suomen voittoa. Suomi!-huudot kaikuivat, ja tuntemattomatkin saivat haleja.