Switzerland's Tyler Moy #95 celebrates his second period goal against Norway with Andrea Glauser #43 during Preliminary Round - Group B action at the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship at Jyske Bank Boxen on MAY 16, 2025 in Herning, Denmark
photo: © International Ice Hockey Federation / Matt Zambonin
Sunday, 25 May the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Sweden and Denmark came to an exciting end. Team USA claimed the title in overtime after a thrilling gold medal game against Switzerland. With this year’s tournament now behind us, all eyes turn to the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland, set to take place in Zurich and Fribourg. The official groups for next year’s event have now been revealed.
The Group A preliminary round games, as well as two quarter-finals, both semi-finals, and the bronze and gold medal games, will be played in Zurich. Group B preliminary round games and two quarter-final games will take place in Fribourg. Thanks to the short travel distance between the two Host Cities — less than 1 hour and 30 minutes by train — it promises to be a tournament with convenient logistics for teams and fans alike.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the Organizing Committee have published the group allocations for 2026. These were determined based on the IIHF World Ranking and also took into account the preferences of the Organizing Committee. Over the summer of 2025, the IIHF and the Organizing Committee, in consultation with key stakeholders, will finalize the tournament schedule.
The Group A preliminary round games, as well as two quarter-finals, both semi-finals, and the bronze and gold medal games, will be played in Zurich. Group B preliminary round games and two quarter-final games will take place in Fribourg. Thanks to the short travel distance between the two Host Cities — less than 1 hour and 30 minutes by train — it promises to be a tournament with convenient logistics for teams and fans alike.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the Organizing Committee have published the group allocations for 2026. These were determined based on the IIHF World Ranking and also took into account the preferences of the Organizing Committee. Over the summer of 2025, the IIHF and the Organizing Committee, in consultation with key stakeholders, will finalize the tournament schedule.
Group A, Zurich:
USA, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Austria, Hungary, Great Britain
Group B, Fribourg:
Canada, Sweden, Czechia, Denmark, Slovakia, Norway, Slovenia, Italy
USA, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Austria, Hungary, Great Britain
Group B, Fribourg:
Canada, Sweden, Czechia, Denmark, Slovakia, Norway, Slovenia, Italy
Christian Hofstetter, General Secretary of the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland: “My team and I had the honor of attending the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Stockholm and Herning.
We were able to gain valuable insights from the experience provided by the 2025 Organizing Committee, the IIHF and their partners. Now that the groups are set, it truly feels like the 2026 IIHF WM is getting closer — and, in line with our slogan, time to shine!”
About the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship:
The IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is returning to Switzerland after 17 years. The global ice hockey elite will meet in Zurich and Fribourg from 15 to 31 May 2025 at the biggest annual winter sports event. The 2026 IIHF WM will take place in Zurich and Fribourg’s state-of-the-art ice hockey arenas. In a total of 64 games the 16 best national teams will compete for the coveted Ice Hockey World Championship title. During the 17 days of the event, around 1’300 volunteers will help to create an unforgettable ice hockey experience for fans and teams.
All Ice Hockey World Championships take place under the leadership of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). You can find further information and register for tickets and the volunteer programme at: 2026.iihfworlds.com
Organising Committee
2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship AG, Flughofstrasse 50, CH-8152, Glattbrugg
2026.iihfworlds.com
We were able to gain valuable insights from the experience provided by the 2025 Organizing Committee, the IIHF and their partners. Now that the groups are set, it truly feels like the 2026 IIHF WM is getting closer — and, in line with our slogan, time to shine!”
About the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship:
The IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is returning to Switzerland after 17 years. The global ice hockey elite will meet in Zurich and Fribourg from 15 to 31 May 2025 at the biggest annual winter sports event. The 2026 IIHF WM will take place in Zurich and Fribourg’s state-of-the-art ice hockey arenas. In a total of 64 games the 16 best national teams will compete for the coveted Ice Hockey World Championship title. During the 17 days of the event, around 1’300 volunteers will help to create an unforgettable ice hockey experience for fans and teams.
All Ice Hockey World Championships take place under the leadership of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). You can find further information and register for tickets and the volunteer programme at: 2026.iihfworlds.com
Organising Committee
2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship AG, Flughofstrasse 50, CH-8152, Glattbrugg
2026.iihfworlds.com