Calgary, Edmonton and Prague have been selected as the three host cities for the World Cup of Hockey’s return in February 2028, the NHL announced. The decision marks the tournament’s revival after an extended absence from the international hockey calendar.
The choice of Calgary and Edmonton reinforces the longstanding connection between the province of Alberta and elite-level hockey. Both Canadian cities have extensive experience staging major events and have deep histories within the NHL. Their arenas, fan bases and local infrastructure are expected to provide a strong foundation for hosting international competition. Calgary and Edmonton have previously been involved in high-profile tournaments and playoff runs, helping establish reputations as reliable and enthusiastic hockey markets.
Prague’s selection brings the event to a major European hockey center. The Czech capital has a rich hockey tradition and has produced numerous top-level players. By hosting games there, organizers aim to highlight the sport’s global reach and connect directly with European fans. Prague has experience hosting international tournaments and exhibitions, and its inclusion aligns with efforts to balance North American and European venues for major hockey events.
The World Cup of Hockey has previously featured national and select teams made up largely of NHL players, with games typically played under NHL rules. While the league has confirmed the timing and host cities, full details on the 2028 tournament format, participating countries, schedule, and qualification process were not provided in the announcement. Information on specific venues within Calgary, Edmonton and Prague, as well as ticketing plans and broadcast arrangements, also has not yet been released.
The return of the World Cup of Hockey adds another significant event to the international schedule, alongside competitions such as the IIHF world championships and other national-team tournaments. The NHL’s plan to stage the event in both North America and Europe reflects an ongoing interest in promoting the league’s players and the sport itself to a broad audience. Further updates on team lineups, game dates and logistical details are expected as the 2028 tournament approaches.
