NHL Confirms 2028 World Cup in Calgary, Edmonton & Prague

The National Hockey League confirmed Monday it will stage the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, marking a significant shift in the international hockey landscape. The tournament, which hasn’t been held since 2016, is part of a broader NHL plan to create a more regular cycle of international best-on-best competition – alternating with the Winter Olympics, which will be held in 2026 and 2030.

In a move signaling a commitment to expanding the game’s reach, the NHL is taking the World Cup outside of North America for the first time in 22 years. The 2028 tournament will be co-hosted by Calgary and Edmonton in Canada, and Prague in the Czech Republic. “Following the incredible games played at the recent Winter Olympics, NHL players are highly excited to return to international hockey at the World Cup in 2028,” said Marty Walsh, head of the NHLPA, in a statement. “Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague are cities with a strong hockey tradition, and the games will be played in three of the best hockey arenas in the world.”

The announcement, made during a press briefing in Florida, has already sparked debate, particularly surrounding the potential participation of Russia. The league’s stance on Russia’s inclusion remains a key factor, and its decision will heavily influence the composition of the eight-team tournament.

Currently, Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic are considered automatic qualifiers. However, the future of the remaining spots hinges on whether Russia will be invited. If Russia is excluded, Switzerland, Germany, and Slovakia are seen as the leading contenders to fill the vacant slots. The situation is particularly poignant for Slovakia, as Prague’s selection as a host city offers a glimmer of hope for their inclusion.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the Russian team’s participation, stating, “Not yet,” when directly asked if a decision had been made. He elaborated, suggesting the league is carefully considering the implications. The league is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, having continued to allow Russian players to compete in the NHL even during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, despite some players openly supporting Vladimir Putin.

The World Cup format will consist of 17 games, with Prague and Calgary each hosting seven games – six in the round-robin stage and one playoff game. Edmonton will be the site of both semi-final matches and the championship final. The NHL has consistently stated its intention to feature eight national teams in the tournament, and, for the 2028 edition, invites will be extended directly, without any qualifying rounds. However, league officials have expressed a desire to incorporate qualifying rounds in future iterations of the World Cup.

The decision to bring the World Cup to Europe after two decades represents a significant strategic move by the NHL. According to Daly, the league received expressions of interest from over two-thirds of the cities with NHL franchises, as well as nearly twenty European cities. The NHL is evaluating potential host cities based on their ability to contribute to the long-term growth of the business and expand its international reach. The league is aiming to finalize host city selections early in 2026.

The renewed commitment to the World Cup underscores the NHL’s ambition to elevate international hockey and provide fans with more opportunities to witness the world’s best players competing on the global stage. The 2028 tournament promises to be a landmark event, not only for the participating teams and their fans but also for the future of the sport.