Switzerland Beats Latvia 4-2 to Stay Unbeaten at 2026 IIHF Worlds

Switzerland survives Latvia scare

The Swiss Life Arena erupted as Switzerland took down Latvia 4-2. Two goals from Damien Riat keep the host nation undefeated at the 2026 IIHF Worlds.

Rudolfs Balcers scored twice, but Switzerland’s depth proved too much in a win over Latvia. How the Swiss stayed perfect in Zurich.

The Swiss Life Arena was rocking on Friday night as Switzerland took care of business against Latvia, 4-2, to remain undefeated in the 2026 IIHF World Championship. In front of 12,000 home fans, Patrick Fischer’s squad showed why they’re one of the tournament favorites - depth scoring, timely saves, and just enough swagger

First Period: Feeling Each Other Out

Both teams came in knowing what was at stake. Latvia needed points to stay alive in the quarterfinal hunt, while Switzerland wanted to keep momentum after their opening win.

The first 20 minutes were tight. Latvia generated the first real chance when Dans Locmelis nearly beat Sandro Aeschlimann on a rush, but the Swiss goalie was sharp early. Shots were 9-8 Switzerland after one, with no score.

Second Period: Trades and Twists

The game opened up in the second. Switzerland struck first when Timo Meier ripped a one-timer home at 30:15 to make it 1-0. Latvia answered right back through Rudolfs Balcers, who found space in front and beat Aeschlimann.

Then came the special teams. Damien Riat buried a power-play goal to restore Switzerland’s lead, 2-1. But Balcers wasn’t done - he scored his second of the night just 32 seconds later off a tough-angle shot that squeezed through Aeschlimann’s pads. 2-2 heading into the third

Third Period: Swiss Pull Away

This is where Switzerland’s depth took over. Dean Kukan stepped up from the blue line and sniped one past Kristers Gudlevskis to make it 3-1. Latvia pushed, but Gudlevskis - who had several highlight-reel stops - couldn’t hold off the Swiss forever.

 

Another W in the win column for @swissicehockey 💪 #MensWorlds #IIHF

Game Recap 🔗 https://t.co/hTiI2fKEYp pic.twitter.com/iJpY1JpXak

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 16, 2026

Riat added his second of the game with under 10 minutes left, finishing a slick feed from Simon Knak to make it 4-2. From there, Switzerland locked it down. Aeschlimann shut the door in the final minutes, and the Swiss closed out their second straight win.