NEW YORK / TORONTO – The hockey world is buzzing with excitement as the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the National Hockey League (NHL) have officially launched the Host City Selection Process for the much-anticipated World Cup of Hockey 2028 (WCH 2028). This tournament promises to revive the spirit of international hockey competition, uniting the best talents on the ice.
Scheduled for February 2028, the WCH 2028 will feature an 8-nation tournament format. Fans can look forward to round-robin and quarterfinal games taking place in two host cities. The culmination of the tournament is expected to be a thrilling semifinal and championship game, anticipated to unfold in one of those same cities, pending the final host selection. Spanning 12 days, this comprehensive event will boast 17 games, along with extensive ancillary programming such as public viewing events, further enriching the festival atmosphere.
Historically, the World Cup of Hockey has been a prestigious event, with previous tournaments held in 1996, 2004, and 2016. Each iteration has cemented its reputation for showcasing elite hockey competition. The WCH 2028 builds on recent success stories, notably the 4 Nations Face-Off, which was named Sports Business Journal’s Event of the Year. In this sold-out tournament, Canada triumphed over the USA, drawing fans from around the globe and generating an impressive economic impact across its two host cities. The event broke record television viewership numbers, and its vibrant social media engagement underscored its cultural significance beyond just sports.
With the announcement, the NHL and NHLPA have extended a call to cities across North America, Europe, and other international venues to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Cities interested in hosting must adhere to the submission deadlines: North American cities must submit by Friday, July 18, 2025, at 18:00 EDT, while international cities have until Wednesday, July 30, 2025, to express their interest. This marks the initiation of a structured bid process that aims to culminate in the final selection of host cities by the first quarter of 2026.
The selection process is open to any city that meets NHL competition standards through its arena facilities. However, advancement to the next phase will depend on presenting a dynamic and compelling vision for hosting the tournament rather than strictly adhering to minimum requirements. The NHL and NHLPA will actively reach out to selected cities, but they also encourage any city to express its interest in hosting this global celebration of hockey.
“The World Cup of Hockey is a showcase of international hockey at the highest level, and we are thrilled to begin the host city selection process for 2028,” said Gary Bettman, Commissioner of the NHL. This sentiment underscores the tournament’s potential not just as a competition but as a vibrant cultural event contributing significant economic and social value.
In a similar vein, Marty Walsh, Executive Director of the NHLPA, echoed the excitement, stating, “The World Cup of Hockey 2028 will bring together the best players in the world, representing their countries with pride.” His remarks highlight the unifying power of international hockey, aiming to inspire future generations of fans.
For interested cities, the EOI materials will provide a comprehensive overview of the tournament’s scope, hosting expectations, and a detailed questionnaire regarding arena and city criteria. Selected cities that exceed baseline requirements and present an innovative vision for the tournament will then advance to a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process slated to begin in August 2025.
To oversee this critical selection process, Playfly Sports—a leading sports marketing and media company with expertise in managing major international events—has been entrusted with the administration. Following the structured timeline, final host city selections are expected to be revealed in Q1 of 2026, paving the way for an unforgettable World Cup of Hockey experience.
For more information or to express interest in hosting WCH 2028, please contact:
[email protected]
