Hosts Switzerland beat GB

Photo: James Assinder

Great Britain produced another battling display at the 2026 IIHF World Championship, but were beaten 4-1 by hosts Switzerland in Zurich.

Robert Lachowicz became the eighth GB player to reach 100 international appearances and was presented with his milestone cap. He was also named captain for the night and was handed his jersey with the C by Robert Dowd in the locker room ahead of the game. 

Mat Robson made 37 saves as the Swiss secured their fifth straight victory to remain top of Group A.

Switzerland opened the scoring early in the first period when Nino Niederreiter broke clear of the GB defence and finished past Robson. The British netminder kept the deficit at one with a string of excellent saves, including key stops on Timo Meier, Theo Rochette, Damien Riat and Sven Andrighetto.

The hosts doubled their lead just over a minute into the second period through Nico Hischier after forcing a turnover in the GB zone. Simon Knak then added a third midway through the period, converting a one-timer after the puck broke kindly into his path.

GB responded well and pulled a goal back late in the middle frame. Liam Kirk led a two-on-one rush and, after his initial effort was stopped, fed Josh Waller who finished on the backhand into an empty net.

Great Britain continued to work hard defensively in the third period, with Mark Richardson and Ollie Betteridge producing important blocks on the penalty kill, but Switzerland restored their three-goal advantage when Niederreiter scored from a rebound for his second of the game.

Kirk thought he had added a late second for GB when a dump-in from the boards found its way into the net, but the play was ruled offside.

Great Britain return to action against Finland on Friday evening.