Full Breakdown
Uncertainty Surrounds Russia's Participation in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey
3/17/2026, 1:31:43 PM
Overview of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey
The 2028 World Cup of Hockey is set to take place in February 2028, with games hosted in Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague. This tournament, a collaboration between the National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA), will feature eight teams competing under NHL rules, including a traditional 5-on-5 overtime format. The NHL has confirmed that the tournament will not include the gimmicks from previous editions, such as Team North America or Team Europe.
Russia's Status in International Hockey
A significant point of contention regarding the 2028 World Cup is the participation of Russian players. Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has been banned from international hockey competitions by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), which has cited security concerns as the primary reason for this ban. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has stated that there is no immediate urgency to decide on Russia's inclusion, indicating that the situation will be monitored as it develops. Bettman remarked, "We’re going to see how things develop. Time will tell."
Despite the ongoing ban, there have been discussions about the potential reintegration of Russian teams into international play. The IIHF has considered allowing Russian and Belarusian youth teams to compete in under-18 competitions starting in the 2027-28 season, which IIHF President Luc Tardif described as "a first step." NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh expressed hope that Russian players would return to international tournaments, emphasizing that the issues at hand are rooted in global politics rather than the NHLPA's stance.
Key Figures and Perspectives
Gary Bettman has been at the forefront of the discussions regarding the World Cup and Russia's status. He has indicated that the NHL will align its decisions with the international community's stance on athletics. Meanwhile, Ron Hainsey, assistant executive director of the NHLPA, has left the door open for Russia's participation, suggesting that the "top eight hockey countries" would be included in the tournament.
Critics of Russia's potential return, particularly from countries like Finland, have voiced concerns about the implications of allowing Russian players to compete while the war in Ukraine continues. Reports indicate that governing bodies in Sweden, Finland, and Czechia would likely bar their teams from participating in any tournament involving Russia as long as the conflict persists.
Conflicting Reports and Future Considerations
While the NHL has not finalized the list of participating countries, it is widely assumed that Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Germany, and Switzerland are likely to compete, leaving one spot open. If Russia remains excluded, this final berth could go to Slovakia or Latvia.
The NHL's decision-making process regarding Russia's participation will be closely watched as the tournament approaches, with implications for the league's international relations and the careers of numerous Russian-born players in the NHL.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're going to see how things develop. Time will tell,” — Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner
- “I'm hoping that as we get closer to the World Cup, we will start seeing Russian athletes back in the competition.” — Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director
- “There isn't an immediate need or urgency to make that decision, so let's see how things play out.” — Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner
The future of Russian participation in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey remains uncertain, with ongoing geopolitical tensions influencing the landscape of international hockey.
