Team USA became the first finalist of the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship after a stunning 6–2 victory over tournament hosts Sweden in the first semi-final.

The Americans came out flying in Stockholm, with first-period goals from Brady Skjei and Cutter Gauthier putting them in early control. The second period saw Conor Garland and Michael Eyssimont extend the lead to 4–0, leaving the home crowd stunned.

Sweden mounted a brief comeback in the third period thanks to goals from William Nylander and Elias Lindholm, but Jackson LaCombe fired back for the U.S. to restore the cushion. With the Swedes pulling their goalie early in a desperate push, it was Shane Pinto who sealed the emphatic win with an empty-netter.

Final score: Sweden 2–6 USA

2025 IIHF World Championship – Semi-final Result

Sweden – USA: 2–6 (0–2, 0–2, 2–2)

The Americans now await the winner of the second semi-final between Switzerland and Denmark to determine who they'll face in the gold medal game.