Can GB Curlers Overcome Early Exit After Loss to Canada?

Team GB's curling hopes at the Winter Olympics have taken a significant hit following a 9-5 defeat against Canada, placing them in a precarious position as they strive to reach the semi-finals. With Bruce Mouat and his team needing to secure a win against the United States in their final round-robin match, their chances of medalling now depend on both their performance and the outcomes of other matches.

Last updated: 22 February 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the round-robin stage of the Winter Olympics progresses, Team GB's men’s curling team faces a daunting challenge after their latest defeat. With only one match remaining against the United States, they must not only win but also rely on other results to secure a place in the semi-finals. This situation underscores the pressures of Olympic competition, where every match counts significantly towards overall success.

Key takeaways

Team GB’s curling team lost 9-5 to Canada, complicating their path to the semi-finals.
They must win their final match against the United States and hope for favourable results in other games.
The British team is currently ranked among the world’s best but has struggled in this tournament.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the Winter Olympics on 6 February 2026, Team GB has faced numerous challenges:

6 February 2026: Winter Olympics commence in Milan-Cortina.
10 February 2026: Team GB loses their first match against Japan.
12 February 2026: Team GB secures a crucial win against Italy.
20 February 2026: Team GB suffers a significant loss to Canada (9-5).
22 February 2026: Team GB must win against the United States to keep their hopes alive.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Team GB's latest match against Canada revealed critical weaknesses, particularly in key moments where they failed to capitalise on opportunities. This loss has placed immense pressure on their final game against the United States.

What was already established

Prior to this defeat, Team GB had been considered gold medal contenders, consistently performing well in international competitions. However, the round-robin format has exposed their vulnerabilities, with losses now jeopardising their medal chances.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The performance of Team GB in the Winter Olympics can influence national morale and interest in winter sports, potentially impacting viewership and sponsorship deals within the UK.

Businesses and jobs

A successful run in the Olympics can bolster the sports industry in the UK, encouraging investment and participation in curling and other winter sports. Conversely, an early exit might dampen enthusiasm and funding opportunities.

Policy and regulation

The performance of Team GB can affect government and sports body support for winter sports programmes, possibly leading to policy adjustments in funding and training initiatives for future competitions.

Numbers that matter

4 losses out of 8 matches in the round-robin stage for Team GB.
9-5: The scoreline of Team GB’s recent loss to Canada.
13:05 GMT on 22 February 2026: Scheduled time for Team GB’s final match against the United States.

Definitions and jargon buster

Round-robin: A tournament format where each participant competes against every other participant.
Vice-skip: The player who assists the skip, often taking control of the game when the skip is not playing.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Team GB must focus on performing well in their final match against the United States. Success will require strategic planning and excellent execution under pressure.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Regardless of the outcome, the team will need to regroup and analyse their performance to prepare for future competitions and develop strategies for improvement.

Signals to watch

Results of the Team GB vs. USA match on 22 February 2026.
Performance of competing teams that can affect Team GB's standings.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage the team by supporting their final match through viewership and public engagement.
Stay informed about results and potential outcomes affecting Team GB's future matches.

Don’t

Don’t underestimate the impact of fan support; it can boost team morale.
Don’t ignore the importance of strategic gameplay analysis for the team’s future success.

Checklist

Check match times and schedules to support Team GB.
Follow updates on other competing teams' results that affect Team GB’s chances.
Engage with curling content to understand strategies that can improve Team GB’s performance.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The unpredictable nature of knockout competitions means that one match can determine the fate of a team. Team GB must not only rely on their performance but also on favourable outcomes from other matches. There is uncertainty surrounding the performance of rival teams, which can complicate predictions for progress in the tournament.

Bottom line

Team GB's curling team faces a critical juncture as they approach the final stages of the Winter Olympics. Their ability to secure a win against the United States could be pivotal in determining their chances for a medal, making this match one of the most important in their recent history.

FAQs

What does Team GB need to do to progress?

To progress to the semi-finals, Team GB must defeat the United States and rely on other results to fall in their favour.

What has been Team GB's performance so far?

Team GB has experienced a challenging round-robin stage, winning only four out of eight matches, which has placed them in a precarious position.

When is Team GB's next match?

Team GB's next match is scheduled for 22 February 2026 at 13:05 GMT against the United States.