2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics: Medal odds, predictions for Team Canada

The 2026 winter Olympics are upon us. That’s right – the opening ceremony will kick off the festivities in Milan, Italy, on Friday night, and the games will run through February 22.

The winter installment of the Olympics is generally where the Canadians thrive, and this year should be no exception. In winter Olympics history, Canada ranks fifth all-time in both total medals won and gold medals won. Team Canada placed fourth on the overall medal table four years ago in Beijing, China, although it will be looking to improve on a relatively lacklustre performance atop the podium. It’s four gold medals, ranked 11th among all competing nations. 

2026 Team Canada medal count and selected sport odds  

According to the odds, Canada is the fourth most likely country to lead the medal count in Milan, checking in at +2200 odds. Norway is a -250 favourite, followed by Germany (+600) and the United States (+600). Canada is also the fourth favourite to acquire the most gold medals at +1200, trailing Norway (-195), the United States (+380), and Germany (+700). Only once have the Canadians topped the winter Olympics gold medal chart, and it came on home soil in Vancouver (2010). They racked up 14 golds, finishing four clear of Germany (their 26 medals in total ranked third behind the United States and Germany).

Canada and the United States are expected to have high-profile showdowns for gold in both men’s and women’s ice hockey. In the men’s competition, Canada is a +120 favourite (the USA is +210); in the women’s, Canada is a +115 second choice (the USA is -155). The Canadian men are the all-time leaders in both total medals and golds, but they have not triumphed since capturing back-to-back golds in 2010 and 2014. In the seven installments of women’s hockey at the Olympic Games, Canada has accrued five golds and two silvers. It has been Canada vs. USA a whopping six times in the gold-medal round, with the Canadians leading that matchup 4-2. 

Team Canada medal count prediction: Over 8.5 gold medals (-102) 

There is no need to be overly concerned by Canada’s four gold medals from the Beijing Games. That was an aberration versus the rule. Canada had secured 14, 10, and 11 golds in the previous three winter Olympics.

And it’s not like the Canadians were that far off four years ago, as they finished second on eight podiums. Count on this country restoring golden glory in 2026. The ice hockey rosters are loaded; they are expected to be much improved in track speed skating, and they are expected to be serious factors in various snowboarding and curling competitions. 

Team Canada gold medal best bet: Men’s ice hockey (+120) 

Canada failed to win gold in both 2018 and 2022, and it’s not hard to figure out why. NHL players were not allowed to participate in those two Olympics. When NHL players have taken the ice, Team Canada has won gold twice in a row and three of the last four times. With NHL stars having been given the green light to take their talents to Milan, the Canadians are favoured to prevail. And why not?

Their stacked roster features Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Macklin Celebrini, Sam Reinhart, Cale Makar, and goalie Jordan Binnington. Canada is coming off a victory at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, which also included the United States, Finland, and Sweden. 

Team Canada gold medal prediction: Courtney Sarault – Women’s 1000m short track speed skating (+125) 

Canada is expected to make serious noise in Short Track Speed Skating, led by Sarault on the women’s side and William Dandjinou for the men. At 21 years old, Sarault underwhelmed at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Now 25, she is firmly in her prime and looks like the woman to beat on the short track on the heels of a stellar 2025 campaign.

Sarault won silver in both the 1000m and 1500m competitions at the World Championships in Beijing and helped Canada win the 3000m relay.