Women’s Curling Standings: A Mid-Tournament Update from Milano Cortina 2026

The women’s curling action at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games is heating up! Just past the halfway point of the round robin, we’ve seen a mix of expected performances, thrilling upsets, and a touch of drama. Let’s break down how the ten teams in Italy are stacking up, categorized by their current standing.

Tier 1: The Frontrunners

Sweden (4-0)

Inspired by their success in mixed doubles, Sweden is dominating the competition. Skip Anna Hasselborg leads the field with an impressive 83.6% shooting percentage. While they haven’t faced Canada or Switzerland yet – teams widely considered top contenders – their undefeated record speaks volumes. The 2018 Olympic gold medallists and 2022 bronze medallists are firmly in control.

Switzerland (3-1)

Despite a surprising 4-0 deficit against Canada, the four-time world champions battled back to secure a crucial victory. Alina Pätz had an uncharacteristic game against Japan, resulting in a 7-5 loss, but overall, Switzerland has demonstrated resilience and remains a strong playoff contender. You can find more information about the World Curling Federation here.

Tier 2: Serious Contenders

USA (3-1)

Few predicted this level of success from Team USA! Following Cory Thiesse’s silver medal in mixed doubles, Tabitha Peterson’s rink is curling with precision, boasting the second-highest shooting percentage (84.1%) in the tournament. A significant win against Canada has propelled their playoff hopes, while simultaneously denting their northern neighbours’ aspirations.

China (2-1)

China’s team is showcasing exceptional consistency, with a combined shooting percentage of 84.8% – the highest among all ten teams. Lead Jiayi Jiang has been a standout performer, achieving remarkable percentages in their initial games. Their victories against teams expected to struggle have positioned them well in the playoff hunt.

Tier 3: In the Mix

Denmark (2-2)

After a tough opening loss to Canada, Denmark has rebounded with impressive wins over Japan and Korea. They’ve proven their ability to compete with top teams, despite not participating in Tier 1 Grand Slam events this season. A strong finish will be crucial for their playoff chances.

Korea (2-2)

Eun-ji Gim’s rink has faced higher-ranked opponents, splitting their results so far. While they’ve dropped games to USA and Denmark, they’ve secured victories against Italy and Great Britain. Their team average of 79.8% suggests they’re playing well enough to remain competitive.

Tier 4: Facing Challenges

Great Britain (1-2)

Following their gold medal win in 2022, Great Britain’s struggles may surprise some fans. With a roster largely comprised of Olympic debutantes, they were outscored in their first two games before a shocking victory over Canada. While a playoff spot seems unlikely, this experience will be invaluable for their young team.

Canada (1-3)

Rachel Homan’s Olympic campaign is off to a rocky start. An extra-end loss to Switzerland, coupled with narrow defeats against the United States, Great Britain, and Switzerland, has put Team Canada in a precarious position. They’ll need to win out to have a chance at a medal.

Japan (1-3)

Japan, having qualified through the Olympic Qualification Event, has struggled to find consistency. While they managed to upset Switzerland, losses to USA, Sweden, and Denmark have jeopardized their playoff hopes.

Italy (0-4)

The host team is facing a difficult tournament. Despite the support of the home crowd, Italy has lost all four of their games. A miraculous turnaround would be needed to escape the basement and give their fans something to cheer about.