The National Hockey League (NHL) confirmed Monday, March 16, 2026, that it will host the World Cup of Hockey in February 2028. The international tournament, organized by the NHL, has been held sporadically, with the last event taking place in 2016.
The league has long-term goals to foster the growth of hockey and has developed an ambitious plan to hold international tournaments featuring the world’s top players every two years – the 2026 Winter Olympics, the 2028 World Cup, the 2030 Olympics and so on. As part of this commitment, the NHL is taking the tournament outside of North America for the first time in 22 years, with Calgary and Edmonton in Canada, and Prague in the Czech Republic, selected as host cities.
“Following the incredible games played at the recent Winter Olympics, NHL players are excited to return to international hockey at the 2028 World Cup,” said Marty Walsh, head of the NHLPA, according to an NHL statement. “Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague are cities with a strong hockey tradition, and the games will be played in three of the best arenas in the world.”
The NHL held a briefing in Florida shortly after the initial announcement to provide further details.
Slovakia’s Participation Linked to Russia’s Status
Prague’s selection as a host city offers a glimmer of hope for Slovakia, whose participation has been uncertain and largely dependent on how the league addresses the question of Russia’s involvement.
League officials have indicated plans for an eight-team tournament. Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic would automatically qualify. If Russia does not participate, Switzerland, Germany, and Slovakia appear to be the leading contenders for the remaining spots. The question of whether to invite Russia, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the presence of some Russian players who openly support Vladimir Putin, remains open.
During the briefing, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman initially responded briefly when asked about the composition of the participating countries, stating, “Not yet.”
He then elaborated:
