The NHL is planning to announce the next World Cup of Hockey, which is expected to take place in 2028. This event will feature at least eight teams and will not involve combining countries together, unlike some previous tournaments.The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) are prepared to hold the next World Cup of Hockey without the involvement of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) [1[1[1[1, 3].
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has referred to this four-nations tournament as a “bit of an appetizer” for the 2026 and 2030 Olympics, which the league has also agreed to participate in, along with the hopeful return of a World Cup in 2028 [2[2[2[2].
The league last held a World Cup in 2016 in Toronto,featuring teams such as Canada,the United States,Russia,Sweden,Finland,Czechia,an under-23 Team North America,and Team Europe,which was a group of all-stars from unrepresented countries. Bettman has stated that the 2028 edition will feature at least eight teams and won’t involve melding countries together.
The league and players’ association hope to see a more regular cycle for NHL-organized best-on-best competitions, ideally every two years, to keep the momentum going and benefit the game, players, and fans [4[4[4[4].
NHL’s Upcoming World Cup of Hockey: A Preview for 2028
Table of Contents
In an exciting advancement for hockey fans worldwide, the National Hockey League (NHL) is gearing up to announce the next World Cup of Hockey.Scheduled for 2028, this prestigious event promises to feature at least eight teams and will deviate from the traditional format of combining countries.
Expert Interview with Hockey Analyst, Tom Miller
Senior Editor, World-Today-News.com: Tom,thanks for joining us today to discuss the upcoming World Cup of Hockey in 2028. Can you provide some insight into what changes we can expect from this edition?
Tom Miller on the Format and Structure
Tom Miller: Absolutely. Unlike past tournaments where we’ve seen combined teams or even an under-23 Team North America, the 2028 World cup of Hockey will feature at least eight teams, each standalone country. This is a welcome change that will ensure each team stands independently on the world stage.
Senior Editor: That’s an exciting shift. Do you foresee any challenges or advantages in this new format?
Tom Miller: One advantage is that it will be a more straightforward competition, allowing each national team to showcase their best players without any residency restrictions. However, the challenge will be maintaining a high level of competitiveness across all participating teams, which may require a rigorous qualification process.
The Role of the NHL and NHLPA
Senior Editor: The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) are prepared to hold this event without IIHF involvement. What impact could this have on the tournament?
Tom Miller: This decision could lead to a greater focus on the NHL’s vision for the tournament,allowing it to be more attuned to the league’s needs and player preferences. However, without the IIHF, international exposure and some traditions that come with IIHF events might be affected. It remains to be seen how this will shape the future of international hockey.
Olympic and World cup Participation
Senior Editor: gary Bettman has referred to this as an “appetizer” for the 2026 and 2030 Olympics. How crucial are these tournaments in maintaining momentum for both the NHL and international hockey?
Tom Miller: Tournaments like these serve as crucial “appetizers” to keep the interest alive between Olympics. they provide a platform for players to compete on the global stage, which helps build anticipation and maintain enthusiasm. The NHL’s commitment to these events shows their dedication to growing the sport internationally and fostering increased competitiveness among national teams.
The 2016 World Cup of Hockey and Future Expectations
Senior Editor: In 2016,the World Cup featured a diverse array of teams. What lessons can we take from that experience into the 2028 edition?
Tom Miller: The 2016 World Cup was successful in highlighting a variety of talents and national talents. Lessons learned include the importance of balance between traditional hockey powers and newer competitive nations. In 2028, we expect to see a tournament that continues to celebrate top hockey talent while introducing exciting new elements to keep the sport evolving.
Future Cycle of Competitions
Senior Editor: The NHL and the NHLPA hope to hold these best-on-best competitions every two years. how would this frequent cycle benefit the game?
Tom Miller: A regular cycle ensures that hockey remains continuously engaging for players and fans alike. It encourages consistent growth and competitiveness,allowing players to remain sharp and fans to stay involved. This cycle also helps in shaping the future of the game by attracting younger talent and keeping the sport dynamic and exciting.
Conclusion
The upcoming World Cup of Hockey in 2028 promises to be an exciting event, bringing significant changes to the traditional format. with a focus on independence and competitiveness, this tournament aims to maintain the momentum of international hockey and keep the sport thriving. Thanks to Tom Miller for his insightful comments on this pivotal period in hockey history.
