The World Cup of Hockey is officially set to return in 2028, marking a major revival of elite international competition after more than a decade. However, uncertainty over Russia’s participation continues to cast a shadow over the tournament’s future.
The event, last held in 2016, will be organized jointly by the National Hockey League and the NHL Players’ Association, and is scheduled to take place across Canada and Czechia.
Russia Participation Still Unclear
Unlike competitions governed by the International Ice Hockey Federation, the World Cup of Hockey operates independently, meaning it is not বাধed by existing bans on Russia and Belarus. These sanctions have been in place since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, excluding the country from events such as the Winter Olympics and World Championships.
This creates a unique dilemma: while the NHL has the autonomy to invite Russia, it must also weigh broader political and sporting considerations.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stated that no final decision has been made:
“Time will tell. There isn’t an immediate urgency to decide.â€
Competitive Integrity vs. Political Reality
Russia remains one of the strongest hockey nations globally, boasting the fourth-highest number of NHL players behind Canada, the United States, and Sweden. Its absence raises questions about whether the tournament can truly be considered a “best-on-best†competition.
At the same time, international pressure remains significant. IIHF president Luc Tardif has indicated that the federation will follow guidance from the International Olympic Committee regarding Russia’s return to global sport.
Reports have also suggested that some nations, including Sweden and Finland, could reconsider participation if Russia is included—though NHL officials have publicly downplayed those claims.
Commercial Opportunities Ahead
Beyond the geopolitical questions, the tournament presents a major commercial opportunity. Broadcasting rights for the 2028 event will be sold separately from existing NHL media deals, creating a fresh bidding process and new revenue potential.
With international hockey interest surging—fueled by recent tournaments and the return of NHL players to the Olympics—the 2028 World Cup is poised to become a centerpiece of the global hockey calendar.
Whether Russia takes part or not, the tournament’s comeback signals a new era for international ice hockey—one shaped as much by global politics as by the game itself.