NHL, Players’ Association announce World Cup of Hockey tournament for 2028
The World Cup of Hockey is set to make a triumphant return in 2028, as announced by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL Players’ Association executive director Marty Walsh. The men’s international tournament will take place in February 2028, replacing the traditional all-star weekend, at a location that has yet to be disclosed.
A bidding process for host cities and venues is expected to open in the coming months, giving hockey fans around the world the opportunity to witness the best-on-best competition on home soil. The last World Cup of Hockey was held in 2016 in Toronto, featuring powerhouse teams like Canada, the United States, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, as well as the under-23 Team North America and Team Europe.
The return of the World Cup of Hockey comes as part of Bettman’s vision to have a premier international tournament every two years. In addition to the World Cup, NHL players will also be making a comeback to the Olympics in 2026, marking their return to the global stage after missing the 2018 and 2022 Games.
In the meantime, hockey enthusiasts can look forward to the 4 Nations Face-Off, a round-robin tournament featuring Canada, the U.S., Sweden, and Finland. The event serves as a prelude to the Olympics and runs from its opening in Montreal to the final showdown in Boston on Feb. 20.
Notably absent from the 4 Nations Face-Off is Russia, as the country has been excluded from international hockey events due to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The International Ice Hockey Federation has also banned Russia and its ally Belarus from participating in events through at least the 2025-26 season.
Despite the geopolitical tensions, players from Canada, the U.S., and other participating countries remain focused on the game and are determined to showcase their skills on the ice. The World Cup of Hockey in 2028 promises to be a thrilling display of talent and competition, with the best players from around the globe vying for international glory. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament approaches and get ready to witness hockey history in the making.
