When Hockeyfans prepared to see their favorite NHL players participate in 4 Nations Face-off, the first best-on-best tournament since 2016, they got more good news before Puck Drop.
The World Cup of Hockey will return in 2028, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman at the Bell Center announced at a joint press conference with NHLPA CEO Marty Walsh.
“International Best-on-Best competition is very important for our players-which represents their countries on the ice is in their DNA and hockey fans loves it,” Bettman said less than two hours before Canada and Sweden would meet in the opening game for the four Nations tournament. “Resume Olympic participation next season and arrange a World Cup World Cup in February 2028 will provide expanded opportunities for more players to represent more nations in the best competition.
“With this tournament – and World Cup return to regular rotation – the NHL and NHLPA take a big step in our joint commitment to international hockey.”
Commonly organized by the NHL and NHLPA, World Cup hockey will contain the world’s top players competing in an international tournament. It will be the fourth edition of the tournament, which was previously held in 1996, 2004 and 2016.
“Players love to represent their countries on the international hockey scene, and we are pleased to pick up the speed of the four nations face-off by announcing the return of the World Cup of Hockey 2028 to establish a complete international calendar of Best -B “Best,” said Walsh. “It is one of the biggest awards for all players who are allowed to play on the global stage that carries their home country’s hockey shirt.
“Hockey fans around the world are about to be treated with exceptional hockey with the best players in the world who compete against each other for international hockey glory.”
The World Cup will contain NHL rules, NHL judges and lines and NHL sizes.
A tender process for host cities and arenas is expected to begin in the coming months. NHL players will also return to Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games and again to the French Alps 2030.
Team Canada was perfect at the 2016 World Cup in Toronto and topped Team Europe in a best-three championship final.
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