The NHL and NHL Players’ Association have officially confirmed that the 2028 World Cup of Hockey will take place across three host cities: Calgary and Edmonton in Canada, along with Prague in the Czech Republic. The announcement was made during the league’s annual general managers’ meetings in Florida.
The tournament will mark the long-awaited return of the World Cup, which hasn’t been held since 2016. It is scheduled for February 2028 and will feature top international players competing in a best-on-best format, something that has become increasingly popular among both athletes and fans.
Games will be split between the three venues. Calgary’s new arena, expected to open in 2027, will host several round-robin matchups along with one knockout game. Prague’s O2 Arena will stage the European-side games in a similar format. Edmonton’s Rogers Place will then take over for the decisive stages, including the semifinals and the championship game.
League commissioner Gary Bettman highlighted the quality of the selected venues, emphasizing that all three locations offer modern, world-class facilities capable of showcasing elite hockey. He also pointed out that Alberta’s strong bid and reputation for hosting major events played a significant role in the decision.
While the host cities are now confirmed, several details are still being finalized. The participating nations have yet to be announced, and there is no decision so far regarding whether Russia will be included. Organizers also need to determine scheduling, ticketing, and broadcast arrangements ahead of the event.
The competition is expected to last about two weeks, with the NHL pausing its regular season to allow players to take part. Unlike some international tournaments, overtime in elimination games will follow NHL-style rules, continuing at full strength until a winner is decided.
The return of the World Cup is part of a broader plan to ensure regular international competition featuring NHL players. Following events like the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and the reintroduction of NHL players to the Olympics, the league aims to stage a major international tournament every two years.
Officials from both the NHL and NHLPA expressed confidence that the 2028 event will elevate the sport’s global profile, offering fans a chance to see the world’s best players compete at the highest level while bringing significant attention to the host cities.