Switzerland Knock Out Sweden in Zurich Quarter-Final

Hischier, Josi Shine as Switzerland end Sweden’s medal hopes  

After falling behind early, Switzerland rallied with three unanswered goals to end Sweden’s World Championship run and keep their home tournament alive.

Roman Josi and Denis Malgin led Switzerland’s comeback against Sweden, sending the home crowd into celebration and booking a last-four spot on May 30...

Switzerland booked a spot in the semi-finals of their home World Championship after knocking out Sweden.

The home crowd went quiet in the 7th minute when Linus Karlsson battled to keep the puck in Sweden’s attacking zone, played it to Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who laid it off for Emil Heineman. Heineman’s pass found Karlsson open in front, and he made no mistake to open the scoring.

Switzerland’s troubles deepened moments later when Dean Kukan was called for cross-checking Ivar Stenberg. Sweden thought they’d made it 2-0 on the power play, but Oskar Sundqvist’s goal was overturned on review after it was ruled he’d redirected it in with his skate.

Switzerland’s momentum shifted after killing off a five-minute penalty, and they leveled the game in the 14th minute. Denis Malgin picked up a rebound and fed Roman Josi, who blasted a shot from distance into the top corner.

That goal gave Switzerland the spark they needed heading into the second period, and they soon found their rhythm. After holding off another Swedish power play following a tripping penalty on Calvin Thurkauf, they went ahead in the 13th minute.

The roles were reversed this time as Josi threaded a pass to Malgin. The Swedish defense opened up for him, letting him carry the puck over the blue line unchallenged before firing it past Magnus Hellberg to put Switzerland in front.

Discipline didn’t improve as Timo Meier was sent to the box for two minutes for cross-checking, with Albert Johansson joining him for retaliation. It was Sweden’s turn to play shorthanded late on when Joel Persson was called for tripping with just over five minutes left.

Switzerland capitalized just over a minute later. On the power play, Nico Hischier danced through the defense on the left, cut inside, and slid the puck across to Calvin Thurkauf, whose shot had enough on it to slip past Magnus Hellberg.

Switzerland gets it done in the quarter-finals 👊 #MensWorlds #IIHF @swissicehockey

Game Recap ✍️ https://t.co/4RqhzTjWCE pic.twitter.com/Tlcteb5wr3

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 28, 2026

Meier delivered a heavy hit on Oskar Sundqvist that ended the Swede’s night but went unpunished. Even when Switzerland took penalties on either side of the second intermission, Sam Hallam’s Sweden couldn’t find a way back into the game.

Post-quarterfinal Power Rankings have arrived 👀 #MensWorlds #IIHF

Read more 🔗 https://t.co/XctMeqF2KK pic.twitter.com/7k0wcRPEkA

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 28, 2026

 

Sweden managed just three shots on goal in the second period compared to Switzerland’s 12. They had more of the play in the third, outshooting the Swiss 9-7, but couldn’t cut into the deficit. The hosts held firm to secure a 3-1 win.

Switzerland advance to the semi-finals set for May 30, while Sweden are left to reflect on a drop-off from last year’s bronze-medal run.