Uijeongbu, South Korea is set to host the prestigious 2025 World Women's Curling Championships from March 15 to 23, marking not just another championship, but the last opportunity for teams to earn Olympic qualification points leading up to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
This year, thirteen competitive teams are battling it out at the Uijeongbu Indoor Ice Rink, with all eyes on Team Canada and their skip, Rachel Homan, who has emerged as one of the top contenders after their impressive performances last year. Homan leads her squad, which includes notable players such as Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, Sarah Wilkes, and Rachel Brown, all of whom are determined to defend their title as gold medalists from the previous championship.
The tournament kicked off with pool play on March 15, and based on the current format, the six best teams will advance to the playoff rounds. What makes this edition even more thrilling is the qualification system—out of the teams competing, the top two standings will receive automatic byes to the semifinals, ensuring intense competition as every game can make or break their chances at Olympic qualifying.
The opening day saw several nail-biting matches, including Canada's dominating win over Lithuania with a score of 13-2. Other highlights included Sweden's tight victory against Norway, finishing 6-4, and South Korea edging past Japan 10-8. Each of these matches not only sets the stage for the upcoming games but also indicates the competitive spirit of the championship.
From March 15 through March 21, pool matches will continue, leading up to the exciting semifinal, bronze, and gold medal games scheduled for March 22 and 23. Fans can catch these matches live on TSN and through TSN streaming services. Here’s the complete schedule featuring key matchups:
- Saturday, March 15: Canada 13 vs. Lithuania 2
- Saturday, March 15, 6 a.m. ET: Canada vs. Scotland
- Sunday, March 16, 1 a.m. ET: Canada vs. Sweden
- Monday, March 17, 1 a.m. ET: Canada vs. Denmark
- Monday, March 17, 8 p.m. ET: Canada vs. USA
- Tuesday, March 18, 6 a.m. ET: Canada vs. Turkey
- Tuesday, March 18, 8 p.m. ET: Canada vs. Korea
- Wednesday, March 19, 6 a.m. ET: Canada vs. Norway
- Wednesday, March 19, 8 p.m. ET: Canada vs. Switzerland
- Thursday, March 20, 6 a.m. ET: Canada vs. Japan
- Friday, March 21, 1 a.m. ET: Canada vs. Italy
- Friday, March 21, 6 a.m. ET: Canada vs. China
Side by side with the competition is the intense Olympic qualifying backdrop, contributing to the excitement this year. Scotland, underestimated by some after finishing 8th last year but grabbing European bronze, is also among the teams to watch, showcasing their skills under Sophie Jackson's leadership.
What remains to be seen is how the other countries will handle the pressure of such high stakes and whether Canada can maintain their gold medal dynasty.
With team spirit, national pride, and the quest for Olympic points on the line, this World Women's Curling Championship promises to deliver unforgettable moments and showcase some of the best talent the sport has to offer.