Race Heats Up for World Cup of Hockey 2028 as NHL and NHLPA Open Host City Bids

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International hockey is preparing for a grand return, as the NHL and NHL Players’ Association officially open the bidding phase to select host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. After receiving strong interest earlier this year, 25 cities across North America and Europe have advanced to the formal Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. Final selections are expected in early 2026, giving organizers nearly two years to prepare for the February 2028 tournament.

Momentum Builds Around the Tournament

The initial expression of interest launched in June sparked competition among major hockey markets, each eager to host the best-on-best spectacle. Now in the RFP stage, cities are being guided through requirements and expectations, with workshops scheduled in Toronto for North American applicants and Zurich for European contenders.

Plans for the tournament are taking shape: eight invited national teams will compete across two host cities. The group stage and early knockout rounds are expected to be split between the two locations, while the semifinals and final will likely be staged entirely in one host city. The event will span about 12 days and 17 games, paired with fan festivals, community outreach, and cultural programming designed to leave a lasting footprint.

Key Timeline and Process

The next phase of evaluation kicks off with workshops on September 17–18 in Toronto and September 22–23 in Zurich. These sessions will cover logistics, venue standards, and bid expectations, giving cities the chance to fine-tune their proposals.

Final host city announcements are targeted for the first quarter of 2026, with two winners — one in North America and one in Europe — expected to split hosting duties. This lead time will allow for extensive planning around infrastructure, marketing, and operational readiness.

High Stakes for Host Cities

Landing the World Cup of Hockey carries enormous benefits beyond the ice. The tournament will draw global audiences, boost local economies through tourism and merchandise sales, and spotlight host cities on the international stage. Large arenas, strong transport networks, and experience hosting world-class sporting events could prove decisive for bidders.

The format, with games shared between two cities and a single site for the semifinals and final, is designed to showcase multiple markets while building a climactic finish in one central location — making the choice of venues a key part of the tournament’s identity.

Challenges and Key Questions

Cities must meet rigorous NHL-level standards, including arena capacity, player facilities, fan accommodations, transportation infrastructure, and broadcasting capabilities. Weather conditions, reliable ice quality, and smooth logistics will also be heavily scrutinized.

Uncertainty remains around which national teams will receive invitations. The tournament will not have a qualification phase, which raises competitive and political questions about participation, especially amid shifting global circumstances. These factors could influence both logistics and public reception.

With the host city race now underway, the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is moving from concept to reality. The event promises to bring back best-on-best international hockey on a scale not seen in years, and for the cities in contention, the next few months could determine who gets to write the next chapter in the sport’s global story.

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