World Cup of Hockey to Return in February 2028

The highly anticipated return of the World Cup of Hockey has been officially announced, with the tournament set to take place in February 2028. This marks the fourth edition of the international competition, following previous events in 1996, 2004, and 2016. The announcement was made by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh, signaling a renewed commitment to best-on-best international hockey.

A New Era for International Hockey

The return of the World Cup of Hockey is part of a larger effort by the NHL and NHLPA to strengthen international competition. This plan includes the resumption of NHL player participation in the Winter Olympics, beginning with the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. The ultimate goal is to establish a consistent cycle of international tournaments, alternating between the Olympics and the World Cup every two years.

According to Commissioner Gary Bettman, “International best-on-best competition is very important to our players—representing their countries on the ice is in their DNA—and hockey fans love it.”

Tournament Format and Expectations

The 2028 World Cup of Hockey is expected to return to a traditional international format, featuring national teams rather than hybrid teams like Team North America or Team Europe, which were included in 2016.

Other expected details include:

• NHL rules, referees, and rink sizes to maintain consistency with league play.
• A global host city bidding process, with games likely to be played in North America and Europe.
• Participation from top hockey nations, including Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Russia (if permitted), and more.

A Precursor: The 4 Nations Face-Off

Ahead of the 2028 tournament, the NHL has introduced the 4 Nations Face-Off, featuring Canada, the U.S., Sweden, and Finland. This event is designed to provide a taste of best-on-best competition in preparation for the World Cup of Hockey’s full-scale return.

Looking Ahead

The 2028 World Cup of Hockey will bring together the world’s best players for a long-awaited international showdown. With hockey fans eager for more best-on-best action, this tournament is expected to be one of the biggest events in the sport’s modern history. Further details, including host cities and the official format, will be announced in the coming months.