USA Falls to Switzerland, Will Compete for Bronze in Women’s Curling Semifinals
The Women’s Curling tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics saw the United States’ squad fall to Switzerland in the semifinals on Friday, February 20, 2026, ending hopes for gold. At the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Team USA lost 7-4 to Switzerland in regulation play, leaving the Americans to compete in the bronze medal game.
The Swiss win (recorded at 7–4) sends Switzerland to the gold medal match against Sweden on Sunday, February 22, 2026. This semifinal defeat marked the U.S. women’s second appearance in this stage at the Winter Games. Though disappointing, the U.S. team still has the chance to secure its first Olympic curling medal with Saturday’s bronze match.
Women’s Curling at the 2026 Games has been a tightly contested event, showcasing top global teams and razor-thin margins at every match.
Semifinal Breakdown: USA vs. Switzerland
Strategic Play Defines Key Moments
The semifinal match saw Switzerland assert control early, scoring crucial points in the 2nd and 4th ends to establish a lead. By the 9th end, the score stood at 5-4, with Team USA pushing to regain momentum. However, Swiss skip Alina Patz delivered a decisive final stone, scoring two points that sealed the 7-4 victory and ended the U.S. gold medal bid.
This result confirms Switzerland’s advancement to face Sweden for gold on February 22. The U.S. team, skipped by Tabitha Peterson, now shifts its focus to the bronze medal game against Canada on Saturday, February 21, 2026, aiming for historical success. The match timing is set for 8:05 a.m. ET.
Round-Robin Standings: Path to the Semis
How the U.S. Reached the Top Four
In the women’s round-robin stage, the United States finished with a 6-3 record, securing a semifinal berth among the top four teams. Sweden led with 7 wins, while Switzerland and Canada also finished 6-3 but varied in tie-breaker positioning. These four nations advanced to the playoff round, with Sweden taking on Canada and Switzerland facing the U.S. in Friday’s semifinal.
The U.S. squad’s round-robin success included a pivotal victory over Switzerland 7-6, showcasing resilience and tactical execution in early competition. The standings and playoff bracket highlight the competitiveness of Women’s Curling at this Olympic cycle.
Standings Table 2026 Olympic Women’s Curling (Round Robin)
| Position | Team | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sweden | 7 | 2 |
| 2 | United States | 6 | 3 |
| 3 | Switzerland | 6 | 3 |
| 4 | Canada | 6 | 3 |
| 5 | Korea | 5 | 4 |
| 6 | Great Britain | 5 | 4 |
| 7 | Denmark | 4 | 5 |
| 8 | Japan | 2 | 7 |
| 9 | Italy | 2 | 7 |
| 10 | China | 2 | 7 |
What’s Next: Bronze Medal Game
With the semifinal loss behind them, the U.S. women’s curling team now prepares for the bronze medal match against Canada on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The game is scheduled for 8:05 a.m. ET (5:05 a.m. PT) and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports platforms. This matchup offers redemption and the program’s first potential Olympic medal in women’s curling history.
Canada’s Rachel Homan rink faces the US squad in what figures to be a tactically intense showdown, where precision and ice strategy will be paramount. This contest is a defining moment for both teams and caps a highly competitive Women’s Curling tournament.
Bottom Line from Olympic Women’s Curling
Momentum, Margins, and Medal Stakes
The 2026 Olympic Women’s Curling event underscores how small tactical differences decide outcomes at the elite level. Switzerland’s semifinal win by three points over the US exemplifies the razor-thin margins that separate medal-fighting squads. The U.S. team’s round-robin success and advancement to the playoffs for only the second time in program history highlight growth and competitive depth. With the bronze medal game imminent, the US remains alive for podium placement.
