Milano Cortina 2026: Switzerland and Sweden Secure Semi-Final Berths in Women’s Curling
London, 19 February 2026 – The women’s curling tournament at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has reached a fever pitch as the round-robin stage nears its conclusion. Switzerland and Sweden have officially become the first two teams to guarantee their places in the semi-finals, leaving a high-stakes scramble for the remaining two spots. Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses Canada and Great Britain face “do-or-die” scenarios in their final fixtures to keep their medal hopes alive.
Switzerland and Sweden Lead the Field
Switzerland continued their dominant form this week, becoming the second team to qualify for the playoffs following a series of clinical performances at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. They join Sweden, who secured their progression earlier in the week. Both nations have displayed remarkable consistency, navigating a field that has been marked by unpredictable upsets and high-tension matches.
Canada and Team GB in Playoff Hunt
The battle for the final two semi-final spots remains wide open. Canada’s Team Homan, led by skip Rachel Homan, kept their campaign alive with a vital 8-7 victory over Italy’s Team Stefania Constantini in an extra end. The win moved Canada to a 5-3 record, leaving them just one victory away from clinching a playoff berth. They face a decisive final match against South Korea.
Great Britain’s Sophie Jackson and her rink have also bolstered their chances following a crucial win over Denmark and a previous “shock” victory against the Canadian world champions. Despite a “bumpy” start to the competition, including losses to China and South Korea, Team GB remains firmly in contention alongside the United States and the Republic of Korea.
Controversy and Discipline on the Ice
The tournament has not been without friction. Allegations of “double touching” (violating rules regarding stone contact during delivery) and “finger physics” have sparked debate among fans and officials. Canada’s women’s team faced scrutiny following a double-touch call that resulted in the removal of a stone from play. Additionally, the BBC was forced to issue an on-air apology after microphones captured profanity from competitors during the live broadcast of Team GB’s matches.
Key Facts: Women’s Curling Tournament
The following table outlines the current status and historical context of the women’s curling event at the 2026 Winter Games.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualified Teams | Switzerland, Sweden |
| In Contention | Canada, Great Britain, South Korea, USA |
| Venue | Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium |
| Format | 10 teams; Round-robin followed by Semi-finals and Finals |
| Olympic History | Official medal status granted 21 July 1992 (Barcelona) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams qualify for the semi-finals?
The top four teams from the round-robin stage advance to the semi-finals. As of 19 February 2026, Switzerland and Sweden have secured two of those spots.
What is the “double touching” controversy?
The controversy involves allegations that players have touched stones during delivery or while they are in motion, which is a violation of curling rules. This has led to stones being removed from play and calls for increased video review in the sport.
When did women’s curling become an Olympic sport?
While curling debuted at the 1924 Winter Games in Chamonix, France, it was not until 21 July 1992 that the International Olympic Committee granted official medal status to both women’s and men’s curling, starting with the 1998 Nagano Games.