NHL Announces 2028 World Cup of Hockey Revival

MONTREAL — The NHL and NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) confirmed the revival of the World Cup of Hockey during a press conference Wednesday, with plans for the tournament set to take place in February 2028. This marks a significant step in establishing a regular calendar of international best-on-best hockey events, further highlighted by this month’s 4 Nations Face-Off and the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the upcoming tournament before Canada faced Sweden in their opening game of the 4 Nations tournament at Bell Centre. “I think this tournament indicates how committed we are, and how excited we and the players are about moving forward with international best on best,” Bettman said.

The NHL and NHLPA have yet to clarify the tournament format or the participating countries for the 2028 World Cup. Bettman mentioned that bids for potential host cities will be solicited in the coming weeks, with considerations including the possibility of hosting games in both Europe and North America.

“We will be asking for bids on hosting games,” Bettman added. “We will have a package that’s just about done in the next few weeks.” The World Cup is expected to feature at least eight teams, following the tournaments held in previous years, specifically in 1996, 2004, and 2016. A key determination will involve Russia’s participation, pending its reinstatement in international competitions.

The athletes welcomed the news, as many have been keen to participate in international contests since they were denied the chance to compete at the Olympics in 2018 and 2022 due to logistical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s great, especially to have that certainty,” said Sidney Crosby, captain of Team Canada. “For fans to know they’re going to be able to see best-on-best, I think it’s great for everybody.”

With a gap in high-level international competition since the last World Cup, many players participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off are experiencing this level of representation for the first time. This collaboration between the NHL and NHLPA, which includes agreements on salary-cap numbers through the 2027–28 season and advancements in collective bargaining, signifies a new era for international hockey.

Brad Marchand, a forward on the Canadian team, remarked on the impressive renewal of international play: “As a player, we’re still fans. It’s the highest achievement to be part of these teams. It’s going to be great for the game.”

Ron Hainsey, NHLPA assistant executive director, emphasized the long-term vision for international hockey. “We’re trying to create moments that last a lifetime, like Sid did in 2010 with the Golden Goal here in Canada. That’s really the goal over the long haul.”

The World Cup of Hockey 2028 is set to feature NHL rules and officiating at NHL-sized rinks. Further details regarding participating countries, tournament structure, and other specifics are anticipated to be announced later this year as the NHL aims to establish a consistent international tournament calendar.