Team USA Extends Perfect Record in Mixed Doubles Curling With Crucial 7-5 Victory Over Canada at Milano Cortina 2026

Team Canada's unbeaten run in mixed doubles curling at Milano Cortina 2026 came to an end Friday morning in a pivotal 7-5 defeat at the hands of the United States at the Cortina Olympic Stadium. The American duo of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin used an effective power play strategy to score three crucial points in the seventh end, breaking a 4-4 tie and maintaining their perfect record at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The victory improved the U.S. team to 4-0 in the tournament, marking the best Olympic start by any American men's, women's, or mixed doubles curling team since the sport was added to the Winter Games in 1998. Canada entered the match at 3-0 and sitting atop the mixed doubles standings, having posted impressive victories over Norway and Italy in earlier round-robin play. The Canadians managed to steal a point in the opening end to take an early 1-0 lead, but they would never regain the advantage as Thiesse and Dropkin responded with consistent shot-making and tactical precision. The American pair demonstrated superior execution on their power plays, capitalizing on scoring opportunities when they had the hammer advantage with the center guard removed from play. The turning point came in the seventh end when the United States engineered their decisive three-point score. With the game tied 4-4, Thiesse and Dropkin executed a textbook power play sequence that left Canada without defensive options. The three-point end gave the Americans a commanding 7-4 lead heading into the final frame, and while Canada managed to score one more point in the eighth end, it wasn't enough to mount a comeback. The loss dropped Canada to 3-1 in the round-robin standings, though they remain well-positioned to advance to the medal rounds. The 2023 World Champions from Canada had been considered one of the favorites to win gold in mixed doubles curling at Milano Cortina 2026, making this defeat particularly significant in the context of the tournament. Mixed doubles curling features just two players per team instead of the traditional four, requiring each athlete to throw five stones per end and sweep for their partner. The format demands exceptional versatility, strategic thinking, and shot execution under pressure. The United States has steadily improved in this discipline over recent Olympic cycles, and this victory over Canada represents a major statement heading into the later stages of competition. With their 4-0 record, Thiesse and Dropkin have positioned themselves as legitimate gold medal contenders and have already secured their place in Olympic curling history. The unbeaten American team will look to continue their winning streak in upcoming round-robin matches as they aim to secure favorable positioning for the playoff rounds. Canada, despite the setback, remains a dangerous team with the skill and experience to recover and make a deep run in the tournament. The mixed doubles competition at Milano Cortina 2026 continues through the weekend, with medal matches scheduled for the following week as the world's best curling nations battle for Olympic glory on Italian ice.