The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has decided to keep Russian and Belarusian teams out of its premier tournaments for the 2026‑27 season, citing ongoing safety and security concerns.
Looking ahead to the next cycle
The exclusion, which began after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, now applies to the men’s and women’s world championships, the world junior championship and the under‑18 championship.
In November 2026 the IIHF will reassess Russia’s eligibility for the women’s world championship scheduled for 2027, while the men’s tournament is slated to be held in Germany in May.
Because of the ban, Russian players who normally appear in the NHL are barred from representing their country in any IIHF‑sanctioned competition.
The International Olympic Committee, which has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, has recommended that athletes under the age of 23 be allowed to compete under a neutral flag.
Meanwhile, the upcoming men’s world championship will be hosted in Germany, offering a glimpse of how the sport’s international landscape is evolving.