What TV channel is USA vs Russia on? How to watch World Juniors clash live
Hockey fans will be able to watch a heavyweight World Juniors showdown on Christmas night as the United States face Russia in one of the most anticipated games of the group stage.
Yes — USA vs Russia will air live on NHL Network in the United States, with puck drop scheduled for 9:30pm ET.
The matchup headlines opening day at the IIHF World Junior Championship, pitting two tournament favourites against each other with early group positioning and momentum at stake.
What channel is USA vs Russia on?
The game will be broadcast nationally across North America, with different coverage depending on location.
- TV channel (USA): NHL Network
- TV channel (Canada): TSN
- Live stream (USA): fuboTV (free trial available)
- Live stream (Canada): TSN Live
- Puck drop: 9:30pm ET
- Date: Friday, December 25
There are no regional blackouts for the game, making it accessible nationwide.
Why this World Juniors game matters
Despite coming on the opening day of the tournament, USA vs Russia is widely viewed as one of the defining games of the round robin. Both nations entered the competition among the top contenders for gold, alongside Canada, and the winner is likely to secure a more favourable route through the knockout rounds.
The United States defeated Russia 3–1 in group play the previous year, a result that helped shape the medal picture despite the Americans later exiting in the quarterfinals. Russia, by contrast, went on to claim silver, reinforcing their reputation as perennial contenders at the under-20 level.
Early World Juniors matchups often carry outsized importance, as goal differential and head-to-head results can determine quarterfinal seeding.
Tournament spotlight on Christmas night
The Christmas night slot has become a marquee tradition for the World Juniors, regularly drawing some of the tournament’s largest television audiences. USA vs Russia caps a triple-header on opening day, placing the rivalry in front of a global audience.
With elite NHL prospects on both rosters and national pride in play, the game is expected to set the tone not only for Group B but for the entire championship.
Puck drop is set for 9:30pm ET, with coverage airing live on NHL Network in the US and TSN in Canada.