In just around 270 days, the 2026 IIHF WM will kick off in Switzerland hosted in the vibrant Host Cities of Zurich and Fribourg – the international ice hockey event will attract fans from all over the world and promises unforgettable moments. The official game schedule for the tournament has now been published and gives a glimpse at what fans can be expecting.
From 15 to 31 May 2026, the world’s top 16 national teams will battle it out over 64 thrilling games for the prestigious World Champion’s title. The action begins on Friday, 15 May 2026 with two headline clashes at Zurich’s Swiss Life Arena: Finland will meet Germany and – in a re-run of the gold medal game earlier this year – the USA will face Switzerland. Two high-calibre standoffs are on the cards at the arena in Fribourg too, with Canada up against Sweden and Czechia taking on Denmark.
Christian Hofstetter, General Secretary of the 2026 IIHF WM in Switzerland, shares: “We’re thrilled to unveil the official game schedule. Switzerland is set to host a compact and emotionally charged Ice Hockey World Championship – with top-tier hockey and outstanding games right from day one.”
To the game schedule
Short journeys – big emotions
With just under 90 minutes of travel between Zurich and Fribourg, the 2026 tournament will offer fans and teams a compact experience, with short journeys and an electrifying atmosphere between the two Host Cities.
Tickets on sale from 8 September
Game Day Packages will be available from 12:00 pm on Monday, 8 September 2025 at: 2026.iihfworlds.com. The remaining single game tickets will go on sale in February 2026.
About the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship:
The IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is returning to Switzerland after 17 years. The global ice hockey elite will meet in Zurich and Fribourg from 15 to 31 May 2026 at the biggest annual winter sports event. The 2026 IIHF WM will take place in Zurich and Fribourg’s state-of-the-art ice hockey arenas. In a total of 64 games the 16 best national teams will compete for the coveted Ice Hockey World Champion’s title. During the 17 days of the event, around 1’300 volunteers will help to create an unforgettable ice hockey experience for fans and teams.
All Ice Hockey World Championships take place under the leadership of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). You can find out more about the tournament at: 2026.iihfworlds.com
Organising Committee
2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship AG
Flughofstrasse 50, CH-8152 Glattbrugg
2026.iihfworlds.com
