Prague, Czech Republic – The international hockey world is buzzing with excitement as the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is set to include Prague as a host city, bringing the sport’s biggest stars to the Czech capital. The announcement, made jointly by the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association on Monday, confirms the O2 Arena will play a pivotal role in the tournament, hosting a portion of the round-robin play.
The 2028 World Cup of Hockey, an eight-team best-on-best competition, will also be held in Calgary and Edmonton, Canada. Calgary’s new Scotia Place arena, slated to open for the 2027-28 season, and Edmonton’s established venues will share hosting duties alongside Prague. A total of 17 games will be played over 13 days, with the top team in each group advancing directly to the semifinals. The second and third-place teams will compete in a playoff to secure their spot in the final four, while the fourth-place team will be eliminated. Games will be played under standard NHL rules.
The decision to include Prague as a host city marks a significant moment for Czech hockey fans. While the NHL had been fielding offers from various cities, initial interest from Czech hockey representatives in 2025 was reportedly skeptical, with then-General Secretary Jan Černý stating no preliminary bid had been submitted. However, given the success of previous NHL regular-season games held in Prague, the league proactively explored the possibility of returning to the O2 Arena for this prestigious international event.
“The return of the World Cup of Hockey is an extraordinary event for the entire international hockey community,” said Tomáš Petera, owner of the Perinvest group, which will organize the event in Prague. “We greatly appreciate the trust placed in us by the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association.” Nine other cities had also expressed interest in hosting a group stage of the tournament.
The NHL has already released promotional videos featuring some of the sport’s biggest names, including Boston Bruins star David Pastrňák and Canadian standouts Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, building anticipation for the 2028 competition.
The World Cup of Hockey evolved from the Canada Cup, first held in 1976, where Czechoslovakia reached the final. The World Cup of Hockey debuted in 1996, though the Czech Republic’s inaugural experience was a disappointing one. In 2004, Prague (then known as Sazka Arena) hosted a European group stage featuring the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, and Sweden. The 2016 edition of the tournament was held exclusively in Toronto.
Currently, Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Finland have secured spots in the tournament. The participation of Russia remains a significant question mark, as the nation is currently excluded from international competitions due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite this, the NHL is reportedly pushing for Russia’s inclusion.
Should Russia be permitted to participate, it would displace one of Switzerland, Germany, or Slovakia. Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovský expressed concern, stating, “I just hope that we won’t be the ninth team.” Playing against Russia, given the current geopolitical climate, could present challenges for the Czech Republic, as well as Sweden and Finland, who have taken firm stances against competing with Russia.
Ron Hainsey, a representative of the NHL Players’ Association, emphasized the desire to include the eight best teams in the world, regardless of political considerations. This stance underscores the players’ commitment to showcasing the highest level of international competition.
The tournament format will witness the first-place team in each group automatically advance to the semifinals, while the second and third-place teams will compete in a playoff game to determine the remaining semifinalists. This structure ensures a competitive and exciting path to the championship.
For Czech hockey fans, the opportunity to witness the world’s best players compete on home ice is a dream come true. The O2 Arena, a modern and versatile venue, is well-equipped to host this prestigious event, and the city of Prague is prepared to welcome players and fans from around the globe. The 2028 World Cup of Hockey promises to be a celebration of the sport and a showcase of international talent.
The next key date for fans to watch is the announcement of the full tournament schedule, expected in the coming months. Further details regarding ticket sales and team rosters will also be released as the event draws closer.
What are your thoughts on Prague hosting the World Cup of Hockey? Share your predictions and excitement in the comments below!
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