Team USA Curling Upsets Champs to Reach 2026 Olympics Gold-Medal Game

Team USA’s mixed doubles curling team has made a remarkable run at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, reaching the gold-medal game. With a round-robin record of 6-3, athletes Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin have become the first American duo to compete for a medal in this event since its inclusion in the Winter Olympics in 2018.

Semifinal Showdown

In a high-pressure semifinal match, Team USA faced off against the reigning gold medalists, Team Italy, comprised of Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner. Earlier in the day, Team USA suffered a narrow loss to Italy, falling 7-6 in the round-robin stage. However, the Americans were determined to seek redemption in the semifinal.

Game Highlights

• Initial Rounds: Italy took an early lead, scoring two points in the first end. The Americans quickly retaliated, tying the match 2-2 by utilizing their last stone effectively.
• Mid-Game Struggles: After trailing 4-2 post-third end, Team USA capitalized on Italy’s missed opportunities, taking a 5-4 lead by the fourth end.
• Intense Strategy: Both teams maintained a back-and-forth scoring pattern. Italy initially took the upper hand, equalizing the score at 5-5 after the fifth end.
• Key Moments: Thiesse executed a crucial shot in the sixth end, allowing Team USA to regain a lead of 7-5. Italy then responded aggressively, ending the seventh with three points and taking an 8-7 lead.

Decisive Final End

Entering the final end, Team USA faced a formidable challenge. They employed a power play strategy and held the hammer, the last shot of the end. The Americans needed to secure at least two points to advance.

With one stone remaining, Dropkin cleared two of Italy’s stones, placing Team USA in a winning position. Thiesse took a calculated shot, moving Italy’s center stone and scoring two points, resulting in a final score of 9-8 in favor of Team USA.

Upcoming Gold-Medal Match

With the victory, Team USA will face Sweden in the gold-medal game on Tuesday, starting at 12:05 p.m. ET. Sweden, the bronze medalists from the 2022 Olympics, won their semifinal match against Great Britain 9-3.

Match Details

Team USA’s journey in the 2026 Olympics has been historic. They are now just one win away from claiming a gold medal in mixed doubles curling. The stage is set, and fans will be eagerly watching as Thiesse and Dropkin aim for Olympic glory.