CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy February 14 2026 — In one of the most unexpected moments of the 2026 Winter Olympics the United States women’s curling team beat Canada for the first time in Olympic history Friday afternoon with a dramatic 9‑8 finish that stunned fans and players alike at the Cortina Curling Stadium. This breakthrough victory ends a decades‑long winless streak and shakes up the medal picture in women’s curling.
From the first stone thrown to the final buzzer‑like crowd roar, this match delivered tension and a storybook ending that curling fans around the world will be talking about for years. Here is how the Americans made history.
How the U.S. Made History in Women’s Olympic Curling
This time it was the Americans coming out on top. For the first time since women’s curling became a Winter Olympic sport in 1998 the United States beat Canada in Olympic play. Canada’s women had stood unbeaten against the U.S. in all previous matchups at the Games until Friday’s clash.
The 9‑8 scoreline tells only part of the story. Trailing late entering the 10th end down 8‑7 the U.S. held the hammer – the critical advantage of the final throw. With nerves of steel skip Tabitha Peterson delivered a precise draw, earning two points and sealing the thrilling victory over the heavily–favored Canadian squad led by Rachel Homan.
This win was not just about luck. The Americans capitalized on a few rare Canadian missteps and played with a mix of smart strategy and composed shot‑making under pressure. The 10th end draw by Peterson became an instant highlight of these Olympics and a defining moment for U.S. curling.
Key Players and Their Roles in the Big Game
The U.S. team showed heart and experience working together seamlessly under pressure.
• Tabitha Peterson played lead decision‑making with grit and delivered the final shot to clinch the win.
• Tara Peterson contributed key points and emotional leadership from the front of the rink.
• Taylor Anderson‑Heide held her ground with strong deliveries and strategic positioning.
• Cory Thiesse added essential sweeping power and tactical stone placement throughout.
• Aileen Geving provided depth as an alternate and team support.
What makes this American squad particularly relatable is that three of the players juggle careers or professions outside sport and are mothers to young children. Tara Peterson is a dentist and mother, Tabitha works as a pharmacist and also has a young daughter, while Thiesse is a lab technician with rich international experience including a mixed doubles silver medal earlier in these Games.
What This Win Means for Olympic Curling
This victory has significance both statistically and emotionally for the U.S. women’s curling program.
• Historic milestone: The first ever Olympic win over Canada in women’s curling.
• Round‑robin impact: The Americans improved their record to 2‑1 in group play and positioned themselves strongly for a push into the semifinals.
• Momentum boost: This triumph could change how countries view competitive balance in women’s curling going forward.
Canada has traditionally been the dominant force in international curling and came into this tournament as medal favorites with multiple world titles. Their shock loss signals a potential shift toward a more balanced field at the top of the sport.
Fans on social media reacted with surprise delight and admiration for the underdog narrative. One popular post on X captured the moment perfectly calling the matchup “CURLING HISTORY FOR THE USA” as the final stones settled and the scoreboard favored the Americans.
What’s Next for Team USA in Milan
After this breakthrough result the U.S. women will continue round‑robin competition with matches scheduled against Japan China Italy Denmark and Great Britain before the field closes out preliminary play. Their goal remains clear: secure a top‑four finish and move on to the medal round.
For curling lovers and casual Olympic fans alike this game may be remembered as one of the standout moments of the entire 2026 Winter Games. The resilience and poise shown by the American team against a powerhouse rival writes a new chapter in Olympic curling lore.
As spectators shared their excitement online commenters celebrated not only the rare win but the broader inspiration it offers to women athletes everywhere. This victory was about more than a scoreline. It was about belief perseverance and the thrill of rewriting history on sport’s grandest stage.
