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World Cup of Hockey Returns in 2028, Jointly Hosted by Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, March 17th 2026 at 7:55 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: CANADA, CZECH REPUBLIC

Calgary, Alberta - March 17, 2026 - The National Hockey League (NHL) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) today announced a momentous return for one of international hockey's most celebrated events: the World Cup of Hockey. The 2028 tournament will be jointly hosted by Calgary and Edmonton in Canada, and Prague in the Czech Republic, from February 14th to 29th, 2028. This marks the first iteration of the World Cup since 2016, when Team Canada secured victory against Team Europe, leaving fans eager for a renewed clash of hockey's elite.

The announcement signals a significant step towards revitalizing international hockey competition, particularly after periods of disruption and restructuring. The World Cup, unlike the Olympic Winter Games, allows for full participation of NHL players - a crucial element for showcasing the absolute best talent the sport has to offer. The 2028 event will see twelve nations vying for the coveted championship title, split evenly between six European and six North American teams. This format aims to create a balanced competition, fostering rivalry and excitement across the globe.

"We are thrilled to partner with the IIHF to bring the World Cup of Hockey back to the international stage, and we're excited to showcase the best players from around the world in these three great hockey cities," stated NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. The selection of Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague as host cities demonstrates a commitment to both established and emerging hockey markets. Calgary and Edmonton, both with passionate hockey fan bases and modern arenas, have a proven track record of successfully hosting major international events. Prague, meanwhile, represents a strategic effort to expand the game's reach in Central Europe, capitalizing on a growing enthusiasm for ice hockey within the region.

The tournament structure guarantees automatic qualification for Canada, the United States, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. These powerhouses of the hockey world will directly advance to the main tournament, ensuring their participation and setting the stage for anticipated matchups. The remaining six teams will earn their spots through rigorous qualification tournaments, adding a layer of drama and suspense to the lead-up to the 2028 event. This qualification process is expected to intensify competition among emerging hockey nations, driving development and investment in their programs.

Prague's inclusion as a host city is particularly noteworthy. As mentioned by IIHF President Luc Tardif, "Hosting the World Cup of Hockey in Prague is a fantastic opportunity to grow the game in Central Europe." The Czech Republic has a rich hockey history, consistently producing talented players and boasting a dedicated fanbase. Hosting the tournament in Prague is anticipated to generate significant economic benefits for the city and further solidify the country's position as a prominent hockey nation. It also offers the Czech team a home-ice advantage, potentially galvanizing their performance.

Beyond the on-ice action, the 2028 World Cup of Hockey promises to be a significant cultural event, attracting fans from around the world. The tournament will provide a platform to showcase the unique traditions and hockey cultures of each participating nation, fostering a sense of international camaraderie. The economic impact on the host cities is also expected to be substantial, with increased tourism, hospitality spending, and media coverage.

Looking ahead, the success of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey will be vital for the future of international hockey. The NHL and IIHF are hoping to establish a more regular cadence for the event, potentially hosting it every four years to complement the Olympic Winter Games. However, navigating the complex relationship between the NHL's schedule, player participation, and Olympic commitments remains a key challenge. The 2028 tournament serves as a crucial test case, demonstrating the viability of a standalone international hockey competition and its appeal to fans worldwide. The renewed focus on international play aims to grow the sport's global reach, inspire future generations of hockey players, and deliver thrilling entertainment for fans across the globe. The stage is now set for an unforgettable showdown in 2028, as the world's best hockey players prepare to battle for national pride and the World Cup of Hockey trophy.