U.S. News
Greenland Flag Raises Tensions at Olympic Hockey
Clear Facts
- Fans displayed a Greenland flag during Team USA’s hockey game against Denmark at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- The United States came back from an early deficit to defeat Denmark 6-3.
- Public reaction included both political protest and support for athletes competing regardless of politics.
Vice President JD Vance addressed reporters in Armenia on Feb. 10, commenting on U.S. interests concerning Greenland. The appearance of the Greenland flag at the men’s hockey game drew attention to President Trump’s stated desire for the U.S. to acquire Greenland.
Latvian fans Vita Kalniņa and Alexander Kalniņš, currently living in Germany, held the flag during warmups and after Denmark’s first goal.
“We are Europeans, and I think as Europeans we must hold together,” Kalniņš told The Associated Press.
He added, “The Greenlandic people decide what will happen with Greenland, but, as it is now, Greenland is a part of the Danish kingdom and, as Greenland is a part of Denmark, as in this case, we support both countries against the U.S.”
Danish fan Dennis Petersen commented on the situation at the game.
“It doesn’t matter whatever sport it is — it could be tennis, it could be bobsledding, it can be ice hockey, it could be football — it has nothing to do with politics. … They are athletes, not politicians.”
American attendee Rem de Rohan shared his support for simply enjoying the Olympic competition.
“I think this is the time for people to kind of put that down and compete country versus country and enjoy,” he said. “We love rooting on every country that’s been here.”
The U.S. hockey team’s comeback started in the second period, with three quick goals from Brady Tkachuk, Jack Eichel, and Noah Hanifin. Fourteen American players earned points, and both sets of brothers—Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, Jack and Quinn Hughes—each contributed. The U.S. ended the game with 47 shots, far outpacing Denmark’s 21 shots.
On social media, conservative influencers and American fans joked about the idea of annexing Greenland following the American win. Some suggested that Team USA’s victory should result in gaining control over Greenland, using the score as a playful reference to President Trump’s interest in the territory.
The U.S. will close preliminary play with a match against Germany, favored to win and advance directly to the knockout stage of the Olympic tournament. Even in the event of an overtime loss, Team USA could still progress.
Fans and commentators nationwide continue to watch as American athletes represent the country on the world stage during a contentious Olympics.
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