Germany Hopes For Yet Another Surprise On The International Stage Against Finland

If there's been one surprise team at the 2026 women's IIHF World Championships, it's been Germany. Germany was a nation pinned in Group B of the top division until this season when the IIHF moved to a balanced group format.

Now, alongside fellow Group B convert Sweden, the teams both finished second in their respective pools behind only Canada and the United States showing the world what they're capable of. Even at the Women's Euro Hockey Tour Germany has been on the outside looking in as Switzerland, Czechia, Sweden, and Finland have faced off annually leaving Germany to find weaker nations to play leading up to major tournaments.

After beating Switzerland and Czechia in the preliminary round, however, Germany has inserted themselves into a new discussion. Now they have one more hurdle to face in order to secure themselves a chance to play for a medal. That will come against Finland in the quarterfinals.

“We expect a very intense game in which both teams will give their all for the full 60 minutes," said German head coach Jeff MacLeod in a translated statement. "Throughout the tournament, our team has gelled better and better and found its rhythm. Finland is a strong opponent, so we know we will need a very good performance. We are looking forward to this challenge and the chance to prove ourselves in the quarterfinals.”

Germany last played Finland at the World Championships in 2023 being shutout 3-0. Befoe that, it had been a decade since Finland shutout Germany 1-0 in 2013. Now it's their chance to exact revenge, and the German roster is entering with momentum and confidence.

“We’re going into the quarterfinals with a lot of energy, of course. Finland is a very physical opponent who also plays technically strong hockey," said captain Daria Gleißner. "I’m looking forward to the game. We’ll bring a lot of power and a good mindset to the ice. Then it’ll be an open game.”

From the solid goaltending of Sandra Abstreiter, to offensive leadership from Lilli Welcke and Laura Kluge, and defending from Gleißner, Carina Strobel, and Nina Jobst-Smith, Germany is getting contributions across the board.

They also believe that a win against Finland, and a trip to the semi-finals at the 2026 Worlds is possible. 

"I believe that we are currently functioning very well as a team and sticking together closely," said forward Jule Schiefer. "That's a big factor. Every single person on our team believes that we can advance tomorrow.”