NHL and NHLPA Reveal Return of World Cup of Hockey as In-Season Tournament in 2028

MONTREAL — In an exciting announcement, the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association have confirmed their plans to reintroduce a series of top-tier international hockey events. They revealed on Wednesday that the World Cup of Hockey is set to return in February 2028.

This development paves the way for a consistent schedule of elite tournaments, following this month’s 4 Nations Face-Off and the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

The announcement was made by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh prior to Canada’s kickoff match against Sweden at the Bell Centre.

“The 2028 World Cup exemplifies our commitment and excitement regarding the future of international best-on-best competition,” Bettman stated.

While the date for the 2028 World Cup has been established, specific details about the tournament format are still pending. The selection of host cities remains open, with considerations for splitting matches between Europe and North America akin to the arrangement in the 2004 World Cup.

“We will be soliciting bids for game hosting,” Bettman confirmed. “We expect to finalize a comprehensive package shortly.”

Another important aspect yet to be clarified is the list of participating countries.

The previous World Cup tournaments held in 1996, 2004, and 2016 featured eight teams, and Bettman indicated that the 2028 tournament will include at least that many. Factors influencing the tournament’s composition will include the potential reinstatement of Russia and the possibility of collaborating with the International Ice Hockey Federation to host qualifying rounds for select European countries.

Despite details still being in the works, Wednesday’s announcement was met with enthusiasm from players eager to engage in international competition. After missing opportunities to compete in the 2018 and 2022 Olympics due to logistical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, players have been anticipating the revival of the World Cup, which was previously aimed for organization in 2020, 2021, and 2024.

With a long absence from high-end international competition since 2016, many players participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off are experiencing the thrill of representing their countries on this level for the first time.

Nevertheless, as the NHL and NHLPA demonstrate their capacity for collaborative success—having recently reached agreement on salary cap figures through the 2027-28 season and initiating talks on extending the collective bargaining agreement—a new era in international hockey seems to be on the horizon.

“It’s remarkable,” said Canadian forward Brad Marchand. “As players, we remain fans ourselves. We are passionate about the World Cup and excited to be part of it. Competing internationally is the pinnacle of achievement in our sport.

“Knowing we have the 4 Nations, the Olympics, and a World Cup on the way, all set to continue in the future, is incredibly beneficial for the game.”

Ron Hainsey, assistant executive director of the NHLPA, conveyed that this is merely the beginning.