IIHF Men’s World Championship News

Ice hockey continues to thrive as one of the most exhilarating and passionately followed sports in the world. With its fast pace, raw intensity, and loyal fanbase stretching from North America to Europe and beyond, the sport reaches its peak every year with the IIHF Men’s World Championship – a tournament that brings together the finest national teams from around the globe. The IIHF World Championship 2025 promises to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the history of international hockey.

The first standalone IIHF World Championship took place in 1930, featuring twelve participating nations. The following year, in 1931, ten teams competed in a series of round-robin qualifying rounds to determine which countries would advance to the medal round. Now we are getting ready for the 2025 IIHF World Championship.

Organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the event is the crown jewel of men’s international hockey. Unlike the National Hockey League (NHL), which showcases the sport’s best talents in a professional league format, the IIHF World Championship is about national pride, fierce competition, and the quest for international glory. The 2025 edition will once again unite hockey giants like Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Finland, along with emerging nations, all battling it out for the world title.

Running parallel to this main event is another key competition: the 2025 IIHF World U18 Championships. This tournament highlights the next generation of hockey superstars—many of whom will soon make their way to the NHL. It serves as a proving ground for young talent, where scouts, fans, and national programs alike look for the future faces of the sport.

As excitement builds for the IIHF Men’s World Championship, fans can expect intense rivalries, thrilling moments, and stories that will shape the legacy of ice hockey for years to come. Whether you’re a die-hard NHL fan or a casual follower of international play, this tournament is a must-watch celebration of hockey at its finest.

2025 IIHF World U18 Championships

The 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is set to captivate fans worldwide from May 9 to 25, with Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark, co-hosting this prestigious tournament. As the 88th edition of the championship organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), it brings together 16 elite national teams competing for global supremacy in ice hockey. ​

The competition will unfold across two primary venues: Stockholm’s Avicii Arena and Herning’s Jyske Bank Boxen.Group A matches, along with two quarterfinals, both semifinals, and the medal games, will take place in Stockholm.Meanwhile, Group B games and two additional quarterfinals are scheduled for Herning. ​

This year’s championship continues to highlight the sport’s global appeal, with teams qualifying based on their performance in the previous year’s tournament. Notably, teams from Russia and Belarus remain suspended due to ongoing geopolitical issues. 

Fans eager to follow the action can access the full schedule and IIHF World Championship 2025 results on the official IIHF website. For those interested in attending, while 2024 IIHF World Championship tickets were available through official channels, information regarding ticket sales for the 2025 championship will be announced closer to the event dates. ​

As anticipation builds, the 2025 IIHF World Championship promises thrilling matchups, showcasing the pinnacle of international ice hockey talent. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, this tournament offers an unparalleled experience in the world of ice hockey.​

IIHF 2025 Group A: Preview & Predictions

Teams: Austria, Canada, Finland, France, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden

Group A is undeniably the most competitive bracket in the IIHF World Championship 2025, often referred to as the “group of death.” With international powerhouses Sweden, Canada, and Finland all placed together, it’s highly likely that this year’s champion will emerge from this stacked lineup.

The tournament format allows the top four teams from each group to move on to the quarterfinals. Given their dominance, Sweden, Canada, and Finland are expected to advance comfortably.

The real intrigue lies in the battle for the fourth and final qualifying spot. According to the latest 2025 IIHF World Championship odds, Slovakia appears to have the upper hand. Their solid hockey infrastructure and growing depth give them a clear edge over Latvia, Slovenia, France, and Austria.

Prediction: Sweden, Canada, Finland, and Slovakia can progress from Group A.

IIHF 2025 Group B: Preview & Predictions

Teams: Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Norway, Switzerland, USA

Group B looks far more balanced on paper, but USA and Czechia are clear favorites to dominate. The Americans are fielding a strong roster, while Czechia enters as the defending champions after a surprise gold medal win in 2024 on home ice.

Switzerland, last year’s runner-up, is another team poised for a strong showing and should comfortably reach the knockout stage.

The fourth quarter final spot will likely come down to Germany, even without superstar Leon Draisaitl. Their depth and international experience should give them the edge over the rest of the field.

Prediction: USA, Czechia, Switzerland, and Germany can advance from Group B.

How Does the IIHF World Championship Work?

The IIHF Men’s World Championship is an annual international ice hockey tournament organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). The competition features 16 national teams divided into two groups of eight. During the preliminary round, each team plays seven games within their group. The top four teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, followed by semifinals, and finally the gold and bronze medal games. Teams earn points for wins and overtime results, which determine their placement in the standings.

Here’s how the format works:

• Group Stage:
  The 16 teams are divided into two groups of eight (Group A and Group B). Each team plays a round-robin format, meaning every team plays against every other team in its group—seven games per team.
• Point System:
  Teams earn:
  • 3 points for a regulation win
  • 2 points for an overtime or shootout win
  • 1 point for an overtime or shootout loss
  • 0 points for a regulation loss
• Advancing to the Knockout Stage:
  The top four teams from each group based on points move on to the quarterfinals. From there, it’s a single-elimination format:
  • Quarterfinals
  • Semifinals
  • Bronze medal game (between semi final losers)
  • Gold medal game (between semifinal winners)
• Relegation and Promotion:
  The last-place team in each group is relegated to a lower division for the following year’s championship. Meanwhile, the top two teams from Division I are promoted to compete in the top-tier tournament next year.
• NHL Player Participation:
  Since the tournament overlaps with the NHL playoffs, only players from NHL teams not involved in the postseason (or eliminated early) are available to join their national teams.

The IIHF World Championship combines national pride, emerging talents, and high-stakes hockey, making it one of the sport’s most exciting annual events.

Where to Watch IIHF U18 World Championship?

The IIHF U18 World Championship is usually available through national broadcasters and the IIHF’s streaming platforms, including their YouTube channel and official website. Check local listings or the IIHF’s official site for broadcast schedules and streaming availability based on your region. You can watch the IIHF World Championship on major sports networks or stream it online via the IIHF’s official YouTube channel, depending on your location. Additionally, platforms like TSN.ca, ESPN+, or Viaplay often provide live coverage, replays, and highlight packages for fans around the world.

The official ticket prices for the 2025 IIHF World Championship have not been publicly released yet. However, based on previous tournaments and the high demand expected this year, ticket prices are anticipated to range from approximately €30 to €150 per game, depending on the seating category and match significance.​

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including ticket availability and pricing, please visit the official IIHF ticket portal: .​ Given the anticipated demand, it’s advisable to purchase tickets early to secure your preferred seats.​

What Is the IIHF World Championship?

The IIHF World Championship is the top annual international ice hockey tournament for men’s national teams. It brings together the best teams from around the world to compete for the title of world champion. Organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation, the tournament is a highlight of the international ice hockey calendar and features both established hockey nations and emerging teams.

How Often Is the IIHF World Championship?

The IIHF World Championship is held annually, typically during May. Organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the tournament features the best national teams from around the globe competing for the title of world champion.

Even during Olympic years or NHL playoff seasons, the IIHF World Championship continues to take place. However, the availability of NHL players can be affected depending on their teams’ playoff status.

This annual format allows hockey fans to enjoy high-stakes international play every spring, with the tournament often taking place after the National Hockey League (NHL) regular season ends.

In addition to the top-division tournament, the IIHF also runs Division I, II, and III championships each year for lower-ranked countries, as well as age-specific events like the U18 and World Junior Championships.

So whether you’re cheering for a powerhouse like Canada or Sweden or rooting for emerging teams like Slovenia or Hungary, you can count on the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship to return every year with elite competition and national pride on the line.

Getting Ready for the IIHF World Championship 2025

Beyond the rosters and rankings, the 2025 IIHF World Championship is more than just a hockey tournament—it’s a global showdown that celebrates national pride, elite athleticism, and the raw passion of the sport. Held in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark, this year’s edition gathers the world’s top teams in a battle not just for gold, but for legacy.

With Canada, Sweden, and Finland all competing in Group A, the stakes couldn’t be higher. These hockey powerhouses headline what many are calling the “group of death,” where every face-off feels like a final. But it’s not just about the favorites—teams like Slovakia, Latvia, and Germany are hungry to disrupt the narrative and claim their place in the spotlight.

The 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship promises world-class action from May 9–25, with playoff-level intensity starting right from the group stage. Every slap shot, body check, and power play carries weight. From underdog miracles to overtime thrillers, this is hockey at its purest—fast, physical, and unpredictable.

For those looking to place bets on the IIHF World Championship 2025, crypto-friendly platforms like VOdds offer competitive ice hockey odds that cater to both seasoned punters and first-time bettors. With its powerful Odds Scanner filter, VOdds provides top-tier value across a wide range of betting markets—from outright winners and tournament MVP to total goals and game-specific wagers. Whether you’re predicting which powerhouse will emerge victorious or hoping for an underdog story to unfold, the IIHF World Championship promises to deliver plenty of thrilling, high-stakes moments. With top teams like Canada, Finland, and Sweden facing off in a packed tournament, making predictions is no easy task, adding an extra layer of excitement for bettors in 2025.

Off the ice, fans are equally fired up. While IIHF World Championship 2024 tickets sold out fast, this year’s demand is even higher. Over 160,000 tickets were snapped up in the first 24 hours, and with single-game tickets still available, fans from around the world are gearing up to fill the arenas with energy and national colors.

Can Sweden win it all on home ice? Will Canada reclaim the crown? Or will a rising squad crash the party and rewrite the IIHF World Championship results forever? One thing’s certain: the IIHF World Championship 2025 is set to be a defining chapter in international hockey. Whether you’re a die-hard fan tracking every stat or a casual viewer tuning in for the excitement, May will be a month to remember. From face-offs to finals, the road to glory starts now. Don’t miss a shift—because in the world of ice hockey, every second counts.