The 2028 World Cup of Hockey is scheduled to take place in February 2028, featuring 17 games played over 13 days across Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague. This event marks the return of the tournament, which has not been held since 2016.
The NHL schedule for the 2027-28 season will pause for 17 days to accommodate the tournament, which will be operated by the NHL and NHLPA. The tournament will consist of two groups of four teams competing in a round-robin format, with the top three teams from each pool advancing to the single-elimination stage.
Calgary will host seven games at Scotia Place, while Edmonton will hold the semifinals and final at Rogers Place. Additionally, Prague will feature seven games at its O2 Arena. This setup aims to enhance the experience for fans in both Canada and Europe.
The economic impact of the tournament is projected to be significant, with an estimated $375 million benefit for Alberta. To support the event, the provincial government has committed $15 million, while the federal government has pledged $8 million for related activities.
Danielle Smith emphasized the broader implications, stating, “The impact of this event will echo far beyond the rink, growing the visitor economy, creating jobs and showcasing our province to a global audience.”
This will be the fourth World Cup of Hockey, following tournaments in 1996, 2004, and 2016, when Canada last lifted the trophy. Gary Bettman noted, “We think having an every two-year rhythm … will continue to grow the game.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the participating nations, and the status of Russian athletes’ participation is unclear due to their suspension by the IIHF. The NHL and NHLPA are actively monitoring the situation.
