The IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship 2026 is set to begin and will take place from May 15 to May 31, 2026 in Switzerland. The world’s 16 best national teams will compete for the world title in two hockey capitals – Zurich and Fribourg.
Zurich and Fribourg welcome the world
From May 15 to May 31, 2026, Switzerland will host the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, one of the biggest international hockey tournaments of the year. The cities of Zurich and Fribourg will welcome the world’s top 16 national teams as they compete for the gold medal and the title of world champion.
Switzerland is widely known for its excellent hockey culture, passionate fans, and modern arenas. Games will be played at the impressive Swiss Life Arena in Zurich and BCF Arena in Fribourg, promising an incredible atmosphere throughout the tournament.

IIHF - 9 milestones in Zurich hockey history

IIHF - BCF Arena, Fribourg
Tournament format
The championship features 16 teams divided into two groups of eight.
Format overview:
- Each team plays seven group-stage games.
- The top four teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals.
- The tournament then continues with semifinals, bronze medal game, and final.
- The last-place team in each group is relegated from the elite division.
- Two teams from Division IA will replace them next season.
This format guarantees excitement from the opening game until the final day of the tournament.
Groups
Group A – Zurich
Canada, Sweden, Slovakia, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Slovenia, Italy
Group B – Fribourg
Finland, USA, Czechia, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, Hungary, Great Britain
Looking back at the previous championship
The 2025 World Championship once again showed how competitive international hockey has become. Traditional powerhouses such as Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Czechia remain among the favorites, but teams like Switzerland, Germany, and Latvia continue to close the gap and challenge for medals.
Switzerland, in particular, has developed into a serious hockey nation and will have huge expectations playing on home ice.

IIHF - Gallery: Canada vs Germany (Final) - 2023 IIHF WM

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Favorites to win gold
🇨🇦 Canada
Canada enters almost every tournament as a favorite thanks to its incredible depth and potential NHL roster.
🇸🇪 Sweden
Sweden combines elite skating, structure, and world-class talent, making them one of the most complete teams in the tournament.
🇫🇮 Finland
Finland’s disciplined system and strong team play consistently make them dangerous opponents.
🇨🇿 Czechia
Czechia continues to rise with a strong mix of veteran leadership and young talent.
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Playing at home could give Switzerland the extra boost needed to make a serious run for the title.
What to expect in 2026
Fans can expect:
- elite international hockey,
- NHL stars,
- intense rivalries,
- sold-out arenas,
- and unforgettable moments.
The battle for survival in the elite division will also add extra drama, as finishing last in the group means relegation.
The 2026 IIHF World Championship promises to be one of the hockey highlights of the year.