NHL announces 2028 World Cup of Hockey Tournament

The World Cup of Hockey is distinct from IIHF events like the Olympics or World Championships, serving as a “best-on-best” global showcase for elite hockey talent. The tournament is the successor to the historic Canada Cup (1976–1991), relaunched in 1996 with a fresh format and global reach.

The World Cup has been held three times so far. The inaugural 1996 edition saw Team USA defeat Canada in the final. In 2004, Canada claimed the title over Finland, and in 2016 Canada again won, sweeping Team Europe in the best-of-three final. That edition introduced creative teams such as Team North America (players 23 and under from Canada/USA) and Team Europe (players from European nations without full teams).

Overall, Canada leads with two wins to the USA’s one, and the event has consistently produced intense rivalries, particularly between Canada and the United States.

What To Expect From the 2028 Tournament?

The tournament is returning in February 2028, with eight elite nations expected to compete in a mix of pool play and knockout stages. European games will be hosted in Prague, Czechia, while North American pool play takes place in Calgary, Alberta, culminating in the championship phase in Edmonton, Alberta.

For Alberta hockey fans, the 2028 World Cup is especially exciting—Calgary (in their new arena) and Edmonton hosting major stages brings the spotlight to Canadian hockey. Stars like Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, and others could lead Team Canada in front of passionate local crowds.

A media conference will be held on Monday at Rogers Place. It doesn’t sound like the eight participating countries will be named, but the top eight hockey countries will be taking part. Bill Daly says the top three teams in each four-team pool move on, No. 2 vs No. 3 elimination game, then semifinals.