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Olympic Curling Qualification Heats Up in Lucerne

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 12:10 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM, ITALY

Lucerne, Switzerland - February 6th, 2026 - The quest for Olympic glory is heating up in Lucerne, Switzerland, as the World Curling Federation's Olympic Qualification Event continues to deliver thrilling matches and solidify potential contenders for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo. As of today, Friday, February 6th, several teams have distinguished themselves, building momentum towards securing their place on the Olympic stage.

Yesterday, Thursday, saw continued dominance from both Britain and the United States, each maintaining their undefeated records. Britain delivered a convincing 7-3 victory over a determined Swedish side, showcasing strategic prowess and precise stone placement. Skip Bruce Mouat's team appears to be peaking at the right time, demonstrating the consistency that made them medal contenders in previous international competitions. Analysts point to a revamped power play strategy, focusing on creating more open looks for hammer shots, as a key element in their current success. This emphasis on offensive pressure has clearly unsettled opponents.

The United States, meanwhile, followed suit with a resounding 9-5 win against Norway. The American team, led by Skip Cory Christensen, is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. While historically, the US has lagged behind the traditional curling powerhouses of Canada, Sweden, and Britain, a significant investment in youth development programs over the past decade is now bearing fruit. This current US team boasts a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talent, creating a dynamic and competitive unit. Their aggressive sweeping technique and willingness to take risks have been particularly noticeable throughout the event.

However, the road to Milan-Cortina isn't without its upsets and recoveries. Italy, the defending champions from previous Olympic cycles, suffered a setback on Wednesday but rebounded strongly with a 6-4 victory over Japan today. This win is crucial for Italy, who are under pressure to maintain their status as a top curling nation. Their performance against Japan demonstrated resilience and adaptability, highlighting their ability to overcome adversity. Skip Stefania Constantini, a veteran of multiple Olympic teams, emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.

Beyond the leading contenders, other teams are also vying for qualification spots. Germany secured an 8-6 win over Denmark in a closely contested match, while Canada narrowly edged out Sweden 7-6. This tight game suggests Sweden will be a formidable opponent as the tournament progresses, and Canada's victory, though slim, demonstrates their continuing strength in the sport. New Zealand also secured a significant 7-4 victory over Czechia, proving that underdog teams are capable of challenging established curling nations. This result underscores the increasing global competitiveness within the sport.

The Olympic Qualification Event in Lucerne serves as a critical filter, narrowing the field of hopeful nations down to those who will compete for Olympic medals. With only a limited number of spots available, every match carries immense weight. The teams are battling not just against their opponents on the ice but also against the intense pressure of knowing their Olympic dreams are on the line.

Looking ahead to Saturday, the final day of the event, all eyes will be on the remaining matches to determine which teams will book their tickets to the 2026 Winter Olympics. The clashes between Britain and the United States, should they both continue their winning streaks, are expected to be particularly captivating, showcasing the very best of modern curling. The event is expected to draw record television and streaming viewership, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport worldwide. Experts predict a fiercely competitive Olympic tournament in Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo, with a wider range of potential medal contenders than ever before.