Top-ranked Canada suffered an upset loss to Sweden in the women's curling semifinals at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Rachel Homan's team fell to Anna Hasselborg's squad in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. This defeat leaves Canada's controversial men's team as the nation's final hope for curling gold.
The women's curling semifinal on Friday, February 20, 2026, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, saw top-ranked Canada unable to overcome what they described as “straighter” ice conditions and a precise performance from Sweden. Rachel Homan's Canadian team was defeated by Anna Hasselborg's Sweden, marking an unexpected end to Canada's medal hopes in the women's event.
Canada had already been eliminated from contention in the mixed team event medals earlier in the Milan Cortina Games. The loss shifts the focus to Canada's men's team, which faces scrutiny amid controversy but remains the curling powerhouse's last opportunity for Olympic gold.
Photographs from the match captured the emotions: Homan reacting during play, Sweden's players—Anna Hasselborg, Sara McManus, Sofia Scharback, and Agnes Knochenhauer—celebrating their victory, and Homan departing the arena afterward. In a separate semifinal, the United States' Tara Peterson competed against Switzerland, while Switzerland secured a men's curling bronze medal over Norway.
This result underscores Sweden's sharpness in the tournament, leaving Canada heartbroken after high expectations.
