World Cup of Hockey Returns in 2028: Prague Joins Calgary and Edmonton as Host Cities
The National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) have announced that the World Cup of Hockey will return in February 2028, with games to be played in Calgary and Edmonton, Canada, and Prague, Czech Republic. This marks a significant moment for international hockey, bringing together the best players from around the globe.
A History of Best vs. Best
The World Cup of Hockey has been held irregularly, with previous tournaments taking place in 1996, 2004, and 2016. The NHL views this event as a key component of its strategy to showcase “best on best” international competition, alongside events like the Winter Olympics.
Tournament Format and Locations
The 2028 tournament will feature 17 games in total. Prague and Calgary will each host seven games – six in the group stage and one playoff game. Edmonton will be the site of both semi-final matches and the final. The tournament will span 13 days.
The Eight Teams: Who Will Compete?
The NHL intends to feature eight of the top national hockey teams. While the exact selection criteria haven’t been revealed, Canada, the USA, Sweden, and Finland are considered likely participants based on historical performance. Given Prague is a host city, the Czech Republic is also expected to secure a spot.
The remaining teams are less certain. Factors like player representation in the NHL and the IIHF world ranking will likely play a role. Currently, Switzerland, Germany, and Slovakia have a strong case for inclusion, based on player numbers in the NHL and recent international success.
Political Considerations and Russian Participation
A significant question mark hangs over the potential participation of Russia. Currently excluded from international competition due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the NHL has not yet made a decision regarding their inclusion in the 2028 World Cup. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated the league will “see how things develop” before making a determination.
What Sets the World Cup Apart?
The World Cup differs from the Olympics in several key ways. The NHL has complete control over the tournament, allowing for full utilization of arenas and content creation. NHL rules and officials will be used, including the five-on-five overtime format, unlike the Olympic format.
Slovakia’s Past Success and Future Prospects
Slovakia previously participated in the 2016 World Cup as part of Team Europe, a combined team of European players from countries without representation. Team Europe surprisingly reached the final before losing to Canada. Slovakia’s strong performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing fourth with NHL players, and the presence of star players like Juraj Slafkovský could bolster their chances of qualifying for the 2028 tournament.
FAQ
Q: When will the full schedule and participating countries be announced?
A: Dates, participating countries, and the complete schedule will be announced at a later date.
Q: How many games will be played in Prague?
A: Prague’s O2 Arena will host six group stage games and one playoff game.
Q: Will Russia be allowed to participate?
A: The NHL has not yet decided whether Russia will be invited to participate.
Q: What is the format of the tournament?
A: The tournament will consist of two four-team groups, followed by a playoff bracket leading to a final.
Did you know? The 2028 World Cup will be the fourth in the history of the tournament.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the IIHF world rankings and NHL player statistics to gain an idea of which teams are most likely to qualify.
Stay tuned for further updates on the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. What are your thoughts on the tournament format and potential participating teams? Share your opinions in the comments below!