The International Ice Hockey Federation has revealed the draw for the 2027 men’s world championship, a tournament that will unfold across several European venues in May. The grouping announcement comes as the sport’s governing body continues to wrestle with the fallout from Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Germany, the designated host, will find itself in a competitive pool alongside Sweden and the defending champions Finland. Meanwhile, the United States and Canada have been slated to play their matches in Düsseldorf, a city that will serve as one of the tournament’s primary hubs.
Ukraine’s inclusion marks a notable milestone, as the team returns to the top tier for the first time in two decades after navigating a challenging qualification path through the lower divisions. Their presence adds a narrative of resilience to a field that has been reshaped by geopolitical tensions.
Russia, which has been barred from the championship and from the recent Olympic hockey events, has missed six consecutive world tournaments. The Russian Hockey Federation’s recent legal victory over an IIHF policy that would have extended the ban into the 2026‑27 season has introduced a new layer of uncertainty, though the federation has confirmed it will continue to contest eligibility decisions on a case‑by‑case basis.
Looking ahead
The IIHF has reiterated that each competition will be evaluated individually, meaning that any future participation by Russian teams will hinge on a separate assessment. This approach leaves the door open for potential reinstatement, but only after a thorough review of each event’s circumstances.