Denmark U20 vs Finland U20: prediction & betting odds December 26, 2025

The opening day clash of the 2026 World Junior Championship between Denmark and Finland takes place on December 26 at 3M Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis. Denmark – Finland: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Denmark

Denmark return to the WJC top division for the first time in six years. Their last appearance came in 2019, when they lost all group matches in regulation and were subsequently beaten by Kazakhstan in the relegation tie. The Danes have never finished among the tournament’s medallists; their best result remains the 2017 campaign, when they reached the quarter-finals and were eliminated by Russia.

One of the standout names in Denmark’s squad for this WJC is forward Mads Kongsbak Kluve, who was selected by the Florida Panthers in the last draft. Also worth noting are forward Anton Linde, who has 12 points in 26 games this season for Chicoutimi (4+8); Tristan Petersen, who recorded 17 points (9+8) for Penticton; and Emil Jakobsen, who has amassed 40 points in 36 games (20+20) within the Karlskrona system this season.

• Denmark have scored at least two goals in regulation in each of their last 11 official matches.
• No more than seven goals were recorded after 60 minutes in 6 of the last 9 official matches involving Denmark.
• The national team has lost by at least three goals in regulation in 3 of their last 4 official head-to-head meetings.

Finland

Finland finished second in the group stage at last year’s WJC and progressed through the knockouts by defeating Slovakia (5-3) and Sweden (4-3 after overtime), before losing 3-4 to the United States in the final to take silver. It was their first podium finish in three years, matching the result from the 2022 tournament when they lost the final to Canada. Finland have been WJC champions three times in the 21st century.

Nearly half of Finland’s roster are returnees from last year’s squad, including goalkeeper Petteri Rimpinen, who was named the tournament’s best goalie. Finland conceded eight goals in the group stage last year, ranking second in their group of five for fewest goals conceded. The absence of Konsta Helenius is a notable loss, but there are several players to monitor: Oliver Suvanto, whose numbers at Tappara (2+5) may not appear outstanding but who plays in Finland’s professional league and is a prominent NHL draft prospect; and defenceman Juho Piiparinen, who has three assists in 26 games for Tappara and will also be draft-eligible in 2026.

• Finland have failed to score more than three goals in regulation in 6 of their last 7 WJC matches.
• The team have conceded at least three goals after 60 minutes in 9 of their previous 11 games at the World Juniors.
• No more than six goals were scored in regulation in 6 of the last 7 WJC matches featuring Finland.

Denmark – Finland: Match Prediction

Almost half of Finland’s squad consists of players with previous WJC experience, which makes them one of the most seasoned teams at this tournament. Given their balance and depth, they look strong on paper and should not face major issues at the start of the competition, particularly as their opening opponent offers a favourable chance to build confidence both on the scoreboard and emotionally.

Denmark, who have not played in the top division since 2019, should not be expected to produce a shock. Their primary objective will be to secure their place in the division for next year. In that context, their match against Latvia is likely to be of greater significance to them, so they are unlikely to surprise Finland.

In pre-tournament friendlies Denmark have lost their last four games by margins of at least five goals, often against opponents who were not among the strongest. Moreover, in their most recent meeting with Finland they were thrashed 0-7. Given Finland’s status as last tournament’s silver medallists, they should be able to beat an opponent that has only just returned to the top division and poses limited danger.

My prediction: Finland -4.5 (handicap)