Great Britain’s men’s and women’s curling teams kept their 2026 Winter Olympics medal aspirations alive with crucial wins over the United States in Cortina d’Ampezzo, but both squads now face tense conditions ahead of the final round-robin matches. The mixed fortunes of Team GB in the curling competition at the Milano Cortina Olympics have turned heads and created dramatic scenarios as the tournament nears its semi-final phase.
On Wednesday, the British men under skip Bruce Mouat delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Americans 9-2. That result not only ended a three-game losing streak but also kept their semi-final hopes firmly alive, setting up a nail-biting finish in the round robin.
Meanwhile, the women’s team staged a remarkable comeback in their own match against the US – culminating in an extraordinary final-stone play that turned a likely defeat into an improbable 8-7 win. That victory further bolstered Team GB curling hopes, but the path to the semis remains precarious for both teams.
Men’s Curling: Dominant Win Keeps Semi-Final Dreams Alive
The British men’s squad, led by World Champion Bruce Mouat, entered Wednesday’s clash with the USA knowing it was a must-win game to sustain their semi-final contention at the 2026 Winter Olympics curling event. After an inconsistent run through earlier round-robin fixtures, Mouat’s rink delivered one of their strongest performances of the tournament.
The 9-2 victory was decisive. GB struck early and maintained pressure throughout, ultimately finishing in six ends under the “concession rule,” which allows a team to concede when the game’s outcome is all but certain. That win moved Britain to a 5-4 record in the men’s competition.
However, Team GB curling cannot secure a semi-final berth without favorable results elsewhere. Switzerland and Canada have already clinched their places in the last four, leaving Britain’s fate tied to the outcomes of matches involving Norway and Italy in the final round robin. Should either of those teams lose their remaining games, GB would likely qualify for the semi-finals later on Thursday.
Mouat himself acknowledged the uncertainty of the situation, describing the position as “a horrible spot” where his team must wait and hope results go their way after doing their part.
Women’s Curling: Miracle Finish Opens Door to Medal Round
Team GB’s women’s curling squad found themselves under immense pressure in their round-robin meeting with the United States. Trailing 7-6 heading into the final end and without the hammer (last-stone advantage), it appeared their chances of advancing were fading.
But with everything on the line, British skip Rebecca Morrison produced an extraordinary final shot – a double takeout that removed two stones from scoring positions and swung the match in Great Britain’s favour in dramatic fashion. That play secured an 8-7 victory and rejuvenated their 2026 Winter Olympics curling campaign.
The women’s rink still faces a daunting path to the semi-finals. They must win their remaining round-robin games, starting with a match against Japan and then a contest with Italy, to stay in contention. Given the competitiveness of the field and slim margin for error, every end and every stone will count from here on out.
What Happens Next: Semi-Final Scenarios and Tiebreakers
With the round-robin matches nearing completion, the curling standings at the Cortina Olympic Stadium are tight. Switzerland has posted an unbeaten record in the men’s draw, and Canada has also locked up a semi-final spot. GB’s position in third place hangs on results in the final sessions, where wins or losses by Italy and Norway could open the door for British advancement.
For the women’s division, Great Britain’s dramatic win over the USA and subsequent victory over Japan have kept them within reach of a top-four finish, but they must win again and hope higher-ranked teams falter to secure a place in the medal rounds.
This final stretch of the round robin promises to be packed with tension and strategic drama, with playoff spots still undecided and Olympic dreams hanging in the balance for Team GB’s curlers.
