What observers say
“Dunstone couldn’t have asked for a better start to his first appearance at the World Men’s Curling Championship,” remarked an observer following the opening matches. The event, which runs from March 27 to April 4, 2026, in Ogden, Utah, has already showcased thrilling competition among 13 teams.
Canada’s team, skipped by Matt Dunstone, has made a strong impression, winning their first two matches against South Korea and Italy. In their opening game, Canada defeated South Korea 5-2, a match that saw the teams tied at 1-1 through four ends before Canada pulled ahead. “Things were far closer against Korea, as the contest was tied 1-1 through four ends before the teams exchanged forces to see things knotted up at two through six,” noted a source familiar with the match.
In their second match, Canada dominated Italy with a score of 9-2. “Dunstone’s showing against Italy basically mirrored his start to the event, with a fast opening setting the tone for the contest,” the observer added. As of now, Canada is tied for first place with Japan, both teams holding a record of 2-0.
The tournament format features a round-robin play, with the top two teams receiving byes to the semifinals. The standings after the opening day show Canada and Japan leading, followed by China and Germany, both with one win each. The competition is fierce, as teams like Sweden and Switzerland also look to secure their positions.
The first draw of the tournament included matches between Sweden and Scotland, where Sweden emerged victorious with a score of 6-5, and other notable matchups such as Canada against South Korea and China against Czechia. The event is expected to draw significant attention as teams vie for the championship title.
Looking ahead, Canada is set to play a single game on Saturday against Scotland during the 2 p.m. draw. This match will be crucial for maintaining their momentum in the tournament.
The event will conclude with the gold medal match on April 4, 2026, and curling enthusiasts are eager to see which team will take home the championship title. As the competition unfolds, the excitement in Ogden, Utah, continues to build.
