The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has revealed the grouping for the 2027 men’s world championship, a draw that notably leaves Russia out of the participant list.
This marks the sixth consecutive edition of the tournament in which Russian teams will not compete, a streak that began after the nation’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Russian Hockey Federation has launched an appeal aimed at overturning an IIHF policy that barred its clubs from international competition during the 2026‑27 season, though the federation cautioned that the appeal does not guarantee a blanket reinstatement.
Geopolitical undercurrents shape the tournament draw
The IIHF said its decisions are guided by safety, security, operational and sporting considerations, and that participation will be evaluated on an event‑by‑event basis.
At the same time, Ukraine is preparing for a return to the elite level of IIHF men’s competition for the first time in twenty years, having climbed back through a second‑tier tournament.