IIHF Announces 2027 Men’s World Championship Groups
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has revealed the draw for the 2027 men’s world championship, a lineup that omits Russia for the sixth straight year since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Host nation Germany will share a group with Sweden and the defending champion Finland, while the United States and Canada have been assigned to Düsseldorf for the May 2027 edition.
Ukraine’s return to the top tier follows a successful campaign in the second‑tier qualification tournament, underscoring the nation’s resilience amid ongoing conflict.
Appeals and Policy
The Russian Hockey Federation has lodged an appeal that temporarily lifted a blanket ban on Russian clubs for the 2026‑27 season, though the IIHF has yet to clarify how that ruling impacts the upcoming championship.
The IIHF’s eligibility framework evaluates each event on safety, security, operational and sporting grounds, a policy that remains under scrutiny as the tournament approaches.
The upcoming championship will be staged across several European venues, with matches scheduled in cities including Zurich, Stockholm, Helsinki and Bratislava, while North American teams will convene in Düsseldorf.