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The National Hockey League declared on Monday that Alberta, Canada, and Czechia will co-host the fourth iteration of the World Cup of Hockey, an international ice hockey competition slated for February 2028.
Calgary and Edmonton, in conjunction with Prague, were chosen from over twenty-five competing North American and European cities to share hosting duties for the tournament.
During an announcement held Monday at Rogers Place, home to the Edmonton Oilers, representatives from the rival hockey cities highlighted their extensive, months-long cooperative efforts.
“To all hockey enthusiasts, Oilers supporters, and Flames devotees, get ready. An extraordinary event is on its way to Alberta,” proclaimed Stu Ballantyne, president and chief operating officer of Rogers Place.
This event signals the international tournament’s return after an absence spanning over ten years. The previous tournament took place in 2016, with Canada clinching the championship.
That particular tournament, hosted in Toronto, was intended to be succeeded by a 2020 edition.
However, it was cancelled amidst collective bargaining discussions within the NHL, casting uncertainty over the World Cup’s prospects for several years. The NHL and its players’ association later abandoned plans for a 2024 event.
Currently, the tournament forms part of the NHL’s strategy to organize elite international competitions every four years, strategically positioned between the Winter Olympic tournaments.
Seven matches will take place in Calgary at Scotia Place, the future home of the Calgary Flames. With the arena expected to open in autumn 2027, the World Cup of Hockey will serve as an inaugural showcase for the venue during its first full operational season.
Rogers Place in Edmonton will be the site for both semifinal contests and the final championship game.
Prague’s O2 Arena is set to host seven games.
Government Contributions
Alberta’s Premier, Danielle Smith, stated that the provincial government pledged $15 million to aid in securing the event.
“The event’s reach will extend significantly beyond the hockey rink, boosting the tourism sector, generating employment, and presenting our province to a worldwide viewership,” Smith remarked.
Smith additionally pointed out that the upcoming world junior hockey championship is scheduled for Edmonton and Red Deer between December 26 and January 5, 2027.
The national government has also allocated as much as $8 million to support related activities and initiatives for the event.
Eleanor Olszewski, the federal cabinet minister overseeing Prairies Economic Development Canada, explained that this financial contribution aims to assist Calgary and Edmonton in maximizing opportunities in tourism and hospitality.
“It is poised to unite Canadians and create a lasting legacy for communities for many years ahead,” she stated.
In a press statement, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman noted Alberta’s history of hosting numerous Stanley Cup playoff games, all-star games, and other significant events.
“Fundamentally, Alberta provides an ideal backdrop to bring together not only the sport’s premier athletes but also hockey enthusiasts from across the globe,” Bettman commented.
The World Cup of Hockey is predicted to inject an estimated $375 million into Alberta’s economy, as indicated in the release.
The tournament has only occurred three times prior. The United States claimed victory in 1996, while Canada secured wins in both 2004 and 2016.
This competition follows the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025, an event also organized by the NHL and NHLPA. Its final game saw Canada triumph over the United States with a 3-2 score, thanks to an overtime goal by Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid.
The participating countries will be disclosed at a subsequent date.
