USA and Italy Advance to Mixed Doubles Curling Semifinals at 2026 Winter Olympics

The playoff field is set for mixed doubles curling at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with defending champions Italy joining the United States, Sweden, and Great Britain in Monday's semifinals at Milano Cortina. After a dramatic final day of round-robin play, the four nations punched their tickets to compete for medals in one of the Games' most compelling early competitions. Great Britain's Bruce Mouat and Jen Dodds finished atop the standings after the round-robin phase, giving themselves a crucial advantage heading into the playoff bracket. The British duo's dominant performance throughout the preliminary rounds earned them the top seed and positioned them as favorites to claim gold. Their consistency and strategic mastery have made them the team to beat as the competition moves into its decisive stage. Defending Olympic champions Italy secured their semifinal berth alongside the United States, with both teams tied for second place after the round-robin concluded. The Italians will look to defend their gold medal on home ice, providing an electric atmosphere as the host nation battles for a chance to repeat. Meanwhile, Team USA's advancement keeps their medal hopes alive as they seek to claim the podium in front of a passionate European crowd. Sweden rounded out the semifinal field by claiming the fourth and final playoff position, completing a competitive bracket that features four of the world's elite mixed doubles teams. Notably absent from the medal round is Canada, which failed to advance despite entering the tournament with high expectations. The Canadians' early exit marks a significant disappointment for a nation with a storied curling tradition. The semifinals are scheduled for Monday, February 9 at 12:05 PM ET, with the United States facing off against Italy in what promises to be a thrilling showdown. The other semifinal will feature Great Britain taking on Sweden, with both winners advancing to the gold medal match. An extraordinary moment of sportsmanship during the round-robin phase highlighted the Olympic spirit alive in these Games, as competitors demonstrated grace and integrity even amid intense competition. As the mixed doubles curling event reaches its climax, all four remaining teams have proven themselves worthy contenders for Olympic glory.