Curling Controversies Intensify at 2026 Olympics Featuring Sweden and Canada

The curling competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics has become a focal point of dispute and drama involving the Swedish and Canadian teams. The controversy originated during a match when Sweden's Team Edin accused Canada's Team Jacobs of breaking rules related to the release of the curling stone, a charge that escalated tensions on the ice.

During the game, Canadian player Marc Kennedy was caught on record telling Swedish player Oskar Eriksson to "Fuck off," leading the World Curling Federation to issue Canada an oral warning for inappropriate language. This incident underscored the heated atmosphere amid accusations of cheating. The Federation clarified rules around stone handling, emphasizing that touching the stone's handle is legal before the hog line but illegal afterward, which was central to the dispute.

Canadian representatives further fueled the controversy by accusing Sweden's Team Edin and Swedish broadcaster SVT of conspiring to catch them cheating, allegations that SVT categorically denied, stating their coverage remained journalistic and unbiased. Kennedy admitted to touching the stone but denied any intentional rule violation. Following the men's match controversies, the Canadian women's team also faced a penalty related to a rule breach, mirroring ongoing scrutiny into Canadian teams' adherence to regulations.

In the midst of the turmoil, Sweden's women’s team continued to impress with their fourth straight victory over Italy, winning 8-6 and building momentum in the tournament.

The World Curling Federation responded to the incidents by planning to increase the number of officials overseeing future matches to ensure compliance with rules, seeking to maintain fair play and discipline amid the rising tensions.

With both teams embroiled in disputes involving rule violations, inappropriate conduct, and accusations of conspiracy, the curling events at the 2026 Olympics remain tightly watched as officials aim to restore order and focus on the sport itself.