The location of the 2026 World Championship is already known, but how the tournament will be organized and which teams will participate remains unclear. It remains to be seen whether Russian athletes will be allowed to compete in the Ice Hockey World Championship.
Preparing for a sporting event
Just 10 years ago, hosting World Championship participants and guests was considered a special honor. A competition was held, with bids submitted by renowned hockey countries—Czechoslovakia, Canada, Denmark, Switzerland, and others. In 2026, only two countries—Switzerland and Kazakhstan—bid to host the World Championship.
But the long-term intrigue was not maintained. Kazakhstan withdrew its bid, and on May 27, 2022, at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Congress, it was announced that the World Championship would be held in Switzerland, with matches to be held in Fribourg and Zurich from May 15 to 31.
This isn't the first time Sweden has hosted hockey players from around the world. The country hosted this high-level sporting event in 1935, 1939, 1953, 1961, 1971, 1990, 1998, and 2009.
Simplification of regulations
Until 2025, 16 teams participated in the competition. They were divided into two groups by lottery and played in a non-elimination round-robin format:
- for a victory in regular time - 3 points;
- in shootouts and overtime - 2;
- defeat in regular time - 0;
- outside - 1.
After the points were tallied, the teams competed in the quarterfinals. Pairings were made using a crossover system (1A/4B; 1B/4A, etc.). After this round, fans were invited to watch the "reseeding"—teams were paired based on their results: points, goals scored, and goals allowed.
If the teams were roughly equal and the draw resulted, overtime would begin until the first goal was scored, with the teams tied 3-3. To eliminate any chance of a draw, the draw continued with a shootout of five shots each. Only then would the main games take place.
However, a simplification of the regulations is expected as early as 2025, and this is planned to continue into 2026. According to the IIHF, the tournament program will be significantly altered. After selection based on rankings and the results of the 2025 championship, only four national teams will compete for the Challenge Cup. This streamlining will speed up the selection of champions and reduce the burden on the host country, but will also make the event less attractive for fans and tourists.
Participation of the Russian team
In 2025, one of the strongest teams was barred from participating in the championship, even as a neutral team, citing the tense political situation. And on February 4, 2025, IIHF representatives disqualified the Russian national team from the 2026 World Championship.
The reason for the decision, according to Pavel Bure, official representative of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, is laughable. The IIHF Council deemed participation in the tournaments unsafe for Russians, as the event hosts would be unable to protect participants and tourists from extremists. Meanwhile, the country's athletes participate, albeit in neutral status, in other international sporting events. Swimmers, figure skaters, gymnasts, chess players, tennis players, track and field athletes, and weightlifters are all demonstrating their skills. Only Switzerland is washing its hands of the situation.
An appeal has been filed. The International Federation Council promises to announce its final decision in May 2026. But if the discrimination continues, Russian fans will be deprived of the opportunity to enjoy the brilliant play of their favorite team. The athletes will refuse the "offered honor." They believe that the necessary attributes of a sporting celebration are a flag, a national anthem, and a national emblem, and they are unwilling to voluntarily accept the status of "outcasts.".
Youth Championship
Without Russian participation, the level of the 2026 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship will be significantly lower. However, due to changes following the election of Donald Trump as US President, the Russian junior team has the opportunity to participate in this sporting event. It will be held from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026, in Minnesota.
It is planned to hold the competition at two stadiums:
- «The Excel Energy Center is a National Hockey League club. The indoor arena seats 18,064 spectators.
- «3M Arena in Minneapolis holds far fewer fans, "only" 10,257.
Guests are invited to participate in a grand sporting event. This is the tournament's 50th anniversary.
This isn't the first time the United States has hosted the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. The last time the tournament was held was in 2018. Minneapolis hosted the competition in 1982. Back then, Canada took first place on the podium, while Czechoslovakia took second. The Russian junior team won bronze.
But initially, the youth team championship was planned to be held in Novosibirsk.
Construction began on a new metro line, an ice rink, and five-star hotels specifically for the event. Despite the hockey federation's unfair decision and the tournament's cancellation, all facilities were completed and delivered on time. They will be used for regional and national competitions in the future.
The ban of the Russian national team from the 2026 IIHF World Championship is one of the most discussed topics among the country's sports officials, players, and spectators. The IIHF's decision has sparked outrage and anger. However, many fans believe there is still time to review the ruling and hope that in May 2026, the Russians will be able to demonstrate their class and win the tournament's top honors.