The knockout stage has arrived, and few matchups carry as much intrigue as the quarterfinal clash between Team USA and Sweden in the men’s Olympic hockey tournament. With a semifinal berth on the line,

The U.S. men's hockey team defeats Sweden in the quarterfinals of the Olympic tournament at Santaguilia Ice Arena in Milan, Italy.

MILAN — The United States men’s hockey team is marching on. International hockey rules did their thing and awarded Team USA the toughest route to the gold medal game at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, but the Americans cleared their first hurdle with a 2-1 overtime win over Sweden on Wednesday night at Santagiulia Arena.

The United States men's hockey team is moving on to the Winter Olympics semifinals. After a hard-fought battle with Sweden in the quarterfinal, Quinn Hughes played hero for the United States and scored the game-winning goal in overtime. Fans celebrated the iconic moment for Team USA on social media afterwards.

Team USA has edged Sweden 2-1 in overtime in the quarterfinals of the men's hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Quinn Hughes scored 3:27 into the 3-on-3 overtime to send the U.S. through to the semifinals.

United States’ Quinn Hughes celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Sweden during the overtime period of a men’s ice hockey quarterfinal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Follow along for the latest updates and analysis for men’s quarterfinal hockey games at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The United States men's Olympic hockey team will face Sweden in the knockout stage. Here's how to watch and more on the quarterfinal game.

MILAN -- Quinn Hughes scored at 3:27 of overtime, giving Team USA a 2-1 quarterfinal win against Team Sweden in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 at Santagiulia Arena on Wednesday. Hughes won it with a wrist shot from the top of the slot that went in off the right post.