photo: © International Ice Hockey Federation
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has officially unveiled the European Cup of Nations, a groundbreaking new competition framework designed to transform international breaks into a platform for meaningful, competitive national team games. As a core initiative under the IIHF’s ICE26 strategic plan, this new tournament series marks a major step forward for the development of the sport across Europe.
The inaugural season will take place during the traditional November, December, and February international breaks, with 17 national teams competing in three - or four-team groups across the continent.
Participating countries:
Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Hungary, Poland, France, Slovenia, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia, Spain, and Romania.
All games will be broadcast live on IIHF TV, offering fans around the world access to top-tier international hockey outside of the annual World Championships.
“This is a huge step for European hockey,” said Luc Tardif, IIHF President. “For years, our Member National Associations have asked for a framework that brings consistency and purpose to national team breaks. With the European Cup of Nations, we’re finally delivering a product that has the potential to grow the game - competitively and commercially - across the region.”
The IIHF will continue to build the European Cup of Nations together with Member National Associations (MNAs), with the long-term goal of developing a sustainable, marketable product that supports both player development and fan engagement between major tournaments.
“The European Cup of Nations is about creating meaningful competition, not just games,” said Morten Green, General Manager of the Danish national team. “This new structure gives our players and fans something consistent to look forward to - it’s a chance to build rivalries, raise standards, and make international breaks count.”
“This is a major step forward for European ice hockey,” said Zsuzsanna Kolbenheyer, President of the Hungarian Ice Hockey Federation. “Our players need meaningful competition to grow, and this platform provides exactly that - within a stable, forward-looking framework.”
“With the European Cup of Nations, we’re building not just a tournament, but a foundation for long-term value,” added Marta Zawadzka, Vice President of the Polish Ice Hockey Federation. “For federations, fans, and partners, it’s an exciting new chapter for the international game.”
By creating regular, structured competition among Europe’s leading and emerging hockey nations, the IIHF aims to strengthen the overall ecosystem of international hockey - giving athletes more opportunities to represent their countries and giving fans more reasons to follow.
For full schedules, group breakdowns, and broadcast information, follow live coverage on IIHF TV.
The inaugural season will take place during the traditional November, December, and February international breaks, with 17 national teams competing in three - or four-team groups across the continent.
Participating countries:
Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Hungary, Poland, France, Slovenia, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia, Spain, and Romania.
All games will be broadcast live on IIHF TV, offering fans around the world access to top-tier international hockey outside of the annual World Championships.
“This is a huge step for European hockey,” said Luc Tardif, IIHF President. “For years, our Member National Associations have asked for a framework that brings consistency and purpose to national team breaks. With the European Cup of Nations, we’re finally delivering a product that has the potential to grow the game - competitively and commercially - across the region.”
The IIHF will continue to build the European Cup of Nations together with Member National Associations (MNAs), with the long-term goal of developing a sustainable, marketable product that supports both player development and fan engagement between major tournaments.
“The European Cup of Nations is about creating meaningful competition, not just games,” said Morten Green, General Manager of the Danish national team. “This new structure gives our players and fans something consistent to look forward to - it’s a chance to build rivalries, raise standards, and make international breaks count.”
“This is a major step forward for European ice hockey,” said Zsuzsanna Kolbenheyer, President of the Hungarian Ice Hockey Federation. “Our players need meaningful competition to grow, and this platform provides exactly that - within a stable, forward-looking framework.”
“With the European Cup of Nations, we’re building not just a tournament, but a foundation for long-term value,” added Marta Zawadzka, Vice President of the Polish Ice Hockey Federation. “For federations, fans, and partners, it’s an exciting new chapter for the international game.”
By creating regular, structured competition among Europe’s leading and emerging hockey nations, the IIHF aims to strengthen the overall ecosystem of international hockey - giving athletes more opportunities to represent their countries and giving fans more reasons to follow.
For full schedules, group breakdowns, and broadcast information, follow live coverage on IIHF TV.