USA vs. Canada: is there a greater rivalry in hockey? From clashes at the Olympic level to junior hockey tournaments to, most recently, the 4 Nations Face-Off, it’s a rivalry that endures across time, age groups, and competitions. But if there’s one thing that has been a constant, it’s the dominance of Canada, which was reaffirmed at February’s 4 Nations tournament. Although Team USA won the battle in their round robin game, it was Canada who yet again won the war during the final. But like we said, this is a rivalry without bounds, and while the U.S. men stumbled, it’s time now for that loss to potentially be avenged by a different set of players.

That’s right, the moment has arrived for the women to shine! According to the official website of USA Hockey, Team USA is set to compete against Canada in the gold medal game of the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship today in Ceske Budejovice, Czechia, marking yet another chapter in a historic rivalry that has shaped the landscape of women’s international hockey. This signifies the 24th consecutive championship encounter between the two countries.

In a fiercely competitive semifinal, Team USA triumphed over host Czechia with a score of 2-1, thanks to goals from Laila Edwards and Kelly Pannek that clinched the comeback victory. Canada showcased their prowess by overpowering Finland 8-1 in the semifinal, highlighted by a remarkable four-goal surge in the second period and impressive contributions from every line. The two teams faced off earlier in the group stage, with the U.S. emerging victorious 2-1, thanks to a decisive goal from Megan Keller.

Canada has historically dominated (no surprise there) with 13 Women’s World titles, whereas the U.S. has secured 10, including the latest in 2023 and six of the last nine tournaments. The upcoming final, scheduled to be broadcast on NHL Network in the U.S., promises to unfold yet another thrilling episode in the sport’s most intense rivalry following the exhilarating 4 Nations Face-Off. Have you heard that the NHL commissioner is contemplating the possibility of hosting the international event again next year?

Gary Bettman’s take on the future of the 4 Nations Face-Off

The 4 Nations Face-Off was truly remarkable. The intensity of patriotism surged among the players from both Team USA and Canada, leading to a fierce confrontation just nine seconds into the game, which sparked three distinct fights on the ice. The series presented a gripping narrative that enthralled viewers, who had initially voiced doubts regarding the 4 Nations Face-Off when it was first revealed. The shift in perspective among fans ignited a spirited exchange between Mike Greenberg and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on the Get Up podcast.

“Well, a couple of things. One, it demonstrates the passion that hockey players have for our sport and how much they love to represent their country in international competition. We’re going back to the Olympics next year. International best-on-best in hockey, I think, is unrivaled. And I think people thought that this was just going to be an exhibition tournament, but our players took it really seriously,” remarked the NHL commissioner when asked about the overall impact of the international tournament.

In just a few months, the 2026 Winter Olympics will be upon us. Bettman stated that the 4 Nations Face-Off provided players with an excellent opportunity to experience the atmosphere of international hockey matches. He emphasized how the event subtly heightened the excitement among the audience for the Olympics, as it’s uncertain whether similar actions will be witnessed in the forthcoming tournament. The success of the 4 Nations Face-Off hinges on numerous factors, potentially leading Bettman to consider replacing the All-Star Games with this event next year, too.