In May, it’s finally time for the Hockey World Championship 2026. To begin with, the tournament will be played in Switzerland. Consequently, fans can look forward to not only thrilling hockey but also the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Therefore, if you’re a hockey fan, here’s everything you need to know about it!
Team Canada is looking for revenge after last year, when they were surprisingly eliminated in the quarterfinals by Denmark. As a result, they will be eager to prove themselves. In fact, they will get their shot in May, since the 89th annual Hockey World Championship is being played. Moreover, Canada has a history of bouncing back strong after setbacks. In other words, the team will arrive motivated, hungry, and determined. Ultimately, all eyes will be on them to see if they can reclaim glory.
When is Hockey World Championship 2026?
The World’s 2026 will be held between May 15th and May 31st in Switzerland. Interestingly, the last time Switzerland hosted the World’s was back in 2009. Since then, the country has continued to strengthen its hockey culture and build modern arenas. The games will be divided between Zürich and Fribourg.
The arenas
The arena in Zürich is called Swiss Life Arena and holds 12,000 spectators. Meanwhile, the arena in Fribourg is called BCF Arena and holds 9,262 seats. Additionally, both cities are well prepared to welcome fans from across the globe. However, Russia and Belarus remain banned from participation. This means that, once again, the competition will look slightly different than in previous decades.
GUIDE: Everything you need to know about the 2026 World Juniors
Where can I watch the World’s?
It has not yet been announced. However, last year the World’s was available on the NHL Network, and, therefore, fans can reasonably expect similar coverage. At the same time, new streaming options may also become available. In any case, hockey fans worldwide will have multiple ways to tune in.
Groups
A total of 16 teams are divided into two groups. Specifically, Group A will be playing in Fribourg, and Group B in Zürich. In other words, fans in both cities will get plenty of action. Furthermore, the group stage always produces upsets, rivalries, and surprises. Consequently, the road to the playoffs will not be easy for anyone.
Group A:
Sweden
USA
Czechia
Denmark
Slovakia
Norway
Slovenia
Italy
Gruoup B:
Switzerland
Canada
Finland
Germany
Latvia
Austria
Hungary
Great Britain
Schedule
Here is the full schedule. All start times are EST.
15th of May
10.20 AM: Finland – Germany
10.20 AM: Sweden – Canada
2.20 PM: Switzerland – USA
2.20 PM: Denmark – Czechia
16th of May
6.20 AM: Austria – Great Britain
6.20 AM: Slovakia – Norway
10.20 AM: Finland – Hungary
10.20 AM: Canada – Italy
2.20 PM: Switzerland – Latvia
2.20 PM: Slovenia – Czechia
17th of May
6.20 AM: USA – Great Britain
6.20 AM: Italy – Slovakia
10.20 AM: Austria – Hungary
10.20 AM: Sweden – Denmark
2.20 PM: Germany – Latvia
2.20 PM: Norway – Slovenia
18th of May
10.20 AM: Finland – USA
10.20 AM: Canada – Denmark
2.20 PM: Switzerland – Germany
2.20 PM: Czechia – Sweden
19th of May
10.20 AM: Latvia – Austria
10.20 AM: Italy – Norway
2.20 PM: Hungary – Great Britain
2.20 PM: Slovenia – Slovakia
20th of May
10.20 AM: Switzerland – Austria
10.20 AM: Czechia – Italy
2.20 PM: USA – Germany
2.20 PM: Sweden – Slovenia
21th of May
10.20 AM: Finland – Latvia
10.20 AM: Norway – Canada
2.20 PM: Switzerland – Great Britain
2.20 PM: Denmark – Slovakia
22th of May
10.20 AM: Hungary – Germany
10.20 AM: Canada – Slovenia
2.20 PM: Finland – Great Britain
2.20 PM: Italy – Sweden
23th of May
6.20 AM: USA – Latvia
6.20 AM: Denmark – Slovenia
10.20 AM: Switzerland – Hungary
10.20 AM: Slovakia – Czechia
2.20 PM: Germany – Austria
2.20 PM: Sweden – Norway
24th of May
10.20 AM: Latvia – Great Britain
10.20 AM: Denmark – Italiy
2.20 PM: Finland – Austria
2.20 PM: Canada – Slovakia
25th of May
10.20 AM: USA – Hungary
10.20 AM: Czhechia – Norway
2.20 PM: Germany – Great Britain
2.20 PM: Slovenia – Italy
26th of May
6.20 AM: Hungary – Latvia
6.20 AM: Norway – Denmark
10.20 AM: USA – Austria
10.20 AM: Slovakia – Sweden
2.20 PM: Switzerland – Finland
2.20 PM: Czechia – Canada
May 28
10.20 AM: Quarter final 1
10.20 AM: Quarter final 2
2.20 PM: Quarter final 3
2.20 PM: Quarter final 4
30th of May
8.20 AM: Semifinal 1
12.20 PM: Semifinal 2
31th of May
2.20 PM: Final
Rosters
Team rosters have not yet been announced, but expect big names to be available since the tournament is starting well into May. That means the Stanley Cup playoffs are well underway. As soon as the information is available, it will be found here.
Coaches
Team coaches have not yet been announced. As soon as the information is available, it will be found here.
GUIDE: Everything you need to know about the World cup of Hockey 2028
