Germany U20 vs USA U20: prediction & betting odds December 26, 2025

The opening match of Day 1 at the 2026 World Junior Championship between Germany and the United States will take place on December 27 at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. Germany vs. USA: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Germany

Germany finished bottom of their group at the last WJC and defeated Kazakhstan in the relegation game to retain their place in the top division. They failed to challenge for a medal for the second consecutive tournament. Historically, Germany has never finished on the podium at the World Junior Championship. In the 21st century the team has progressed from the group stage into the top bracket on just three occasions.

Highlights of the German roster include David Lewandowski, the standout presence up front. With the Saskatoon Blades he has 32 points in 28 games this season (8+24). Maxim Schafer of Chicoutimi has contributed 23 points in 25 games (12+11). Among the defence corps, Carlos Handel has been effective for the Halifax Mooseheads with 12 points in 25 appearances (2+10). The goaltending pair of Lennart Neise and Linus Viallard both featured at the last WJC, but that is unlikely to be a major positive given Germany conceded the second-most goals at the tournament a year ago, with only Kazakhstan shipping more.

• Germany scored at least three goals in regulation in five of their last seven WJC games.
• They have not lost by more than three goals in 60 minutes in six of their last seven World Junior Championship matches.
• No more than eight goals were scored in regulation time in eight of Germany's last ten WJC games.

United States

At the last WJC the Americans topped their group and in the knockout stages beat Switzerland (7-2) and the Czech Republic (4-1) before meeting Finland in the final, where they won 4-3 after overtime. The USA claimed gold for the second straight tournament — the first time in their history they have retained the title — and in the modern era of the WJC have now won seven gold medals.

The US squad for the upcoming WJC looks one of the most balanced and experienced in the field. Defence leader Cole Hutson was the tournament's top-scoring blueliner last year (3+8) and has been effective this season for Boston University (7+13). Forward James Hagens has 18 points in 16 games this season (10+8) and recorded nine points (5+4) at the 2025 WJC. Brody Zimer is the leading goalscorer for the University of Minnesota with 12 goals in 19 matches.

• The USA failed to score more than four goals in regulation in four of their last five WJC games.
• No more than six goals were scored in the first 60 minutes in five of the USA's last six WJC matches.
• The team conceded at least two goals in regulation in ten of their last 13 WJC games.

Germany vs. USA: Match Prediction

As hosts, the United States have clear ambitions, particularly after winning the previous two WJCs. The American roster is virtually on par with any rival and, thanks to a powerful attack, should hold the advantage. There is also plenty of experience in the squad: last year’s leaders retain their places, so the USA will be expected to push for top positions and should show their potential from the outset.

Germany arrive with a contrasting objective — preserving their place in the top division. Given the strength of their group, it is almost impossible for them to challenge for a top-four finish, but they can still aim to take points off the reigning champions.

A year ago Germany lost the head-to-head meeting 4-10, and the USA have beaten them by a similar margin in five of the last seven WJC encounters. Considering the Americans' attacking firepower and Germany's less imposing forward line, I expect the USA to win by a similar margin again.

Prediction: USA -5.5 (handicap)