Twelve years later… it’s finally happening! In November 2022, much to the fans’ disappointment, the NHL and NHLPA decided that World Cup of Hockey would not be held in 2024 as it was scheduled. The last time this matchup was witnessed was in the year 2016, when Canada emerged the winner against Team Europe in a 2-0 series. At the time, the league cited the “current environment” as the reason for the delay, keeping things vague and leaving fans hanging.
The goal was to bring it back in February 2024—but that, too, fell through. Then came whispers of a possible 2025 revival… but once again, nothing. It took over a decade for the World Cup of Hockey to come back to life, and it is now scheduled to happen in February 2028! But here’s where things get interesting. The tournament is shaking things up in a major way, introducing a fresh twist that will have the hockey world buzzing.
World Cup of Hockey is back!
On February 12, Pierre LeBrun, the go-to hockey insider, took to X to break the big news. And trust us, it’s a game-changer. The World Cup of Hockey in 2028 will not include the experimental teams as it was the case in 2016—no more Team North America or Team Europe. Instead, it’s back to classic, country-based teams battling it out for ultimate bragging rights.
Just so it’s clear, Bettman says 2028 World Cup will have countries as traditional teams, no made up teams like 2016 with Team North America and Team Europe. That’s not coming back.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 12, 2025
LeBrun didn’t hold back, sharing, “Just so it’s clear, Bettman says 2028 World Cup will have countries as traditional teams, no made up teams like 2016 with Team North America and Team Europe. That’s not coming back.” So, if you’ve been waiting for a best-on-best tournament with national pride on the line, this is it!
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman did not leave much room for doubt—international best-on-best hockey is not only a game, but it is in the player. He said, “Representing their countries on the ice is in their DNA — and hockey fans love it.” Now that the NHL is returning to the Olympics for next season and the World Cup of Hockey in 2028, the league and the NHLPA are establishing a future where more players get their chance to represent their country on the biggest stage.
It all begins with the 4 Nations Face-Off, the path towards the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and the French Alps 2030. But here’s the kicker—while we’re all hyped about what’s coming, one of these international events isn’t just on the horizon; it’s already happening as you read this!
Path to the World Cup begins!
This story is developing…
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