Switzerland vs France Preview & Prediction | 2026 Winter Olympics | Men’s Ice Hockey | Preliminary Round

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Thursday’s Men’s Ice Hockey in Milan begins with Switzerland taking on France.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports (some events will also be televised on the BBC / TNT Sports / Not Televised / USA – NBC, USA Network, CNBC & NBCSN

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ (some events can be streamed live on the BBC’s digital platforms / USA – Peacock & nbcolympics.com

Switzerland vs France prediction

Switzerland were beaten in the quarter-finals back in 2022, a tournament which saw them win just one match. However, you could argue that they are a stronger team this time around, captained by Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators. Whilst the Swiss squad is formed mainly of domestic players from their home country, they also boast a selection of names from the NHL, such as New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier, who will have plenty on his shoulders.

France on the other hand, have just one player on their roster currently plying their trade at an NHL franchise, that being Montreal Canadiens’ Alexandre Texier. Whilst they are a dynamic but also physical outfit, they perhaps lack that added spark on the ice from an offensive point of view that Switzerland possess and when taking this into account, it’s worth backing a Swiss win via a handicap.

Switzerland vs France tip: Switzerland to win with -2.5 handicap