HOUSTON – Team USA has definitely “punched its ticket” this time. And it’s a ticket to a real heavyweight bout. After a tumultuous couple of days emanating from a regrettable MLB Network interview segment for manager Mark DeRosa and a lamentable loss to upstart Italy,

NBC Paralympics’ Chris Vosters and Two-Time Paralympic Gold Medalist Taylor Lipsett to Call Gold Medal Game

If this is their best, they will be mercy-ruled right out of the Classic, just as the D.R. did to Team Korea Friday night.

My USA vs. Canada predictions and World Baseball Classic highlight the runline for this quarterfinal matchup on Friday, March 13.

Team USA has beaten Germany 5-1 to cap a perfect 3-0 record in the preliminary round at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Auston Matthews scored two goals for Team USA, while Zach Werenski, Brock Faber and Tage Thompson each added one. Tim Stutzle scored for Germany.

Editor's note: Follow USA vs. Sweden men's hockey live scores and updates from 2026 Winter Olympics. MILAN - The USA men's hockey team put themselves in a good position during preliminary play only to face the toughest possible opponent in the quarterfinals.