Denmark, Canada Declare Ice Hockey 'War' Against U.S. at Milan-Cortina 2026

Beyond domestic athletes' competitions during the Lunar New Year holiday, the most compelling event is men's ice hockey—the crown jewel of the Winter Olympics. Denmark and Canada, whose national sentiments were inflamed by U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks on Greenland and making Canada the "51st state," are seeking revenge on the ice.

The Group C preliminary match between the United States and Denmark will take place at 5:10 a.m. Korean time on February 15 at the Milano Ice Hockey Arena in Italy.

An easy victory is expected for the top-ranked U.S. (Denmark ranks 8th), but analysts predict the "Greenland Derby" could produce surprises. Trump's persistent push to purchase Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, has provoked anger among Danish citizens and Greenland residents.

The men's ice hockey tournament features 12 teams divided into three groups for preliminary rounds, determining which teams advance directly to quarterfinals and which enter playoffs. Canada opened with a dominant 5-0 victory over the Czech Republic on February 13, while the U.S. started strong with a 5-1 win over Latvia.

ABC News reported this "could be the most intense match on what is supposed to be a sweet Valentine's Day." Danish forward Nicklas Jensen said: "Even setting aside the political issues, facing the world's strongest team is an enormous challenge and opportunity. We love causing upsets." Denmark, which made its Olympic debut at the 2022 Beijing Games, has qualified for consecutive Olympics.

Canada, placed in Group A, won't face the U.S. immediately, but fans already anticipate the showdown. Canada is a powerhouse with nine Olympic ice hockey gold medals. The nation, which considers ice hockey its national sport, is hunting for its first gold in 12 years since the 2014 Sochi Games—the last Olympics featuring NHL players. NHL players are returning to the Olympics for the first time in 12 years.

Canadians are framing this rivalry as a "proxy war" following Trump's remarks about making Canada the "51st state." Unprecedented tension surrounds the potential U.S. matchup. Canadian left wing Brandon Hagel said: "It's impossible to tune out what's happening outside and just play." Charlie Angus, former member of Parliament for Canada's New Democratic Party, declared: "If we meet the Americans in the semifinals, it's not just a game. It's life or death."

Canada ranks third in season standings (behind Switzerland at second), but betting firms favor Canada for gold and the U.S. for silver. The U.S. is chasing its first gold medal in 46 years since the 1980 Lake Placid home victory. U.S. forward Matthew Tkachuk said: "If it's not a gold medal, there's no reason to be here."