Canada and United States Meet Again in 2026 WJLC Gold Medal Game

by CLL

During their round-robin game, on Canada Day, the United States and Canada treated 1,800 fans to an exciting, down to the wire, one-goal game that many assumed would be a gold medal game preview. Those who speculated were correct and fans were treated to another "all-time" match-up between the two rivals. 

In front of another near capacity crowd and noticeably upset about a hype video that was played before the start of the game, the United States came out the gates on fire. Fischer Gadbois scored the first goal of the game for the United States only 60 seconds into the game. As things settled down Brandon McNalley scored for Canada to tie the game at 1-1. The United State then went on an impressive four goal run from Dominic Terrazzano (x2), Kyle Gann, and Braydan Stearns. Canada managed to end the run an inch a goal closer before the end of the quarter on a goal from Javen Munro, 5-2 United States. 

[PHOTO: United States celebrates after a 1st Quarter Goal from Dominic Terrazzano.]

The rivalry turned from filling the net to filling the penalty box in the 2nd Quarter, with 16 minutes in penalties combined. For the United States Lleyton Hall and Gadbois scored even strength goals. With the parade to the penalty box, Canada was awarded a penalty shot at 9:59, with the United States already having two players serving minors. Canada elected Michael Dyck, who scored a sensational goal. Gadbois added his hat-trick goal for the United States while short handed, helping his team carry a 8-3 lead into halftime. 

Hall scored the first power-play goal of the game to open the scoring in the second half for the United States. Canada responded with a power-play goal of their own from McNalley, and the first of a three goal run. Canada's other goal scorers were Connor Materi and Archer Hunt — helping Canada close the gap with the United States who took a 9-6 lead heading into the 4th Quarter.

Michael Dyck scores on a penalty shot against the United States in Gold Medal Game.

[PHOTO: Michael Dyck scores on a penalty shot in the 2nd Quarter of the Gold Medal Game.]

McNalley opened the scoring for Canada in the fourth, with another power-play goal, and his hat-trick marker. Tyler Sebastian responded 3 minutes later for the United States, their first goal since the 14:09 mark of the 3rd Quarter. As both teams slowed the pace of the game, each possession became increasingly important. Materi broke the tension building in the arena at 6:08 for Canada's 8th Goal of the game. Suspense built again, and Materi added another goal for Canada, for his hat-trick, at 1:38 of the 4th Quarter. Canada was now within one goal, 10-9 United States. After two quick exchanges, Canada gained possession and called a timeout with :33 seconds remaining. 

Canada's attempt with the sixth attacker ultimately failed, and as the lock ticked down the United States won the Gold Medal at the 2026 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship in Brooks, Alberta. 

United States Wins Gold at 2026 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship[PHOTO: United States players embrace after defeating Canada 10-9 to win the gold medal at the 2026 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship.]

With their 2026 victory, it marks the first time in program history that the United States has won back-to-back gold medals at the IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship, and third (2023, 2025, 2026) overall. 

The United States victory should not come as a surprise to those who have been following their progress in International Indoor Junior Lacrosse. Leading up to this year's World Junior Championship, many of the players on the united States roster have won gold at both the IIJL World U16 and U18 Championships.

WATCH

BOXSCORE

Loading Lacrosse Players of the Game presented by SportSide Source for Sports

[PHOTO: Loading Lacrosse Players of the Game presented by SportSide Source for Sports — United States #88 Dominic Terrazzano (left) and Canada #2 Connor Materi (right).]

Prior to the medal ceremony and presentation of the IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship Cup, International Indoor Junior Lacrosse named both Second and First Team All-World. Players recodnized for their excellance in their position during the tournament were: 

Second Team All-World

First Team All-World

2026 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship All-World Teams

[PHOTO: Pictured (left to right) Brandon McNalley, Carter Foote, Brayden Kuzma, Beck Hagen, Maverick Shultz, Tyler Sebastian, John Narbey accepting for Luka Dillon (absent), Chase Richardson, Koda Tran, Dane Stiefel, and Hunter McAmmond, absent Carson Isnana.]