Contents
Profile
IIHF Men's World Championship
- Sport
- Ice hockey
- Organiser
- IIHF
- Frequency
- annually, in May
- Top division
- 16 teams
- Record champions
- Canada and Soviet Union/Russia
- Germany's best result
- Silver (1930, 1953, 2023)
The annual major tournament
Unlike football, ice hockey has a world championship every year. It usually takes place in May, during the NHL playoffs. That is why players from teams still competing for the Stanley Cup in North America are often missing. Those eliminated early, on the other hand, frequently travel to the Worlds.
Format
In the top division, 16 teams play in two groups of eight. The top four in each group reach the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals and final. The two bottom teams in the groups are relegated to Division I and replaced by the promoted teams. Below that there are further divisions, so dozens of nations take part in one shared system.
History
The first world championship was held together with the Olympic tournament in Antwerp in 1920. The first standalone World Championship tournament took place in 1930. Canada and the Soviet Union dominated for a long time; later Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic and Russia became regular champions. Professionals have been allowed to take part since the late 1970s, and today numerous NHL players compete.
Successes from the German-speaking region
- Germany won World Championship silver in 1930 and 1953. At the 2023 Worlds in Tampere, the team surprisingly reached the final and took silver again.
- Switzerland reached the final in 2013, 2018 and 2024, winning silver each time.
- Austria moves between the top division and Division I.
Germany has hosted the Worlds several times, most recently in 2017 together with France.
Why the Worlds are so popular
The Worlds offer many games in a short time, a fan festival and duels between neighbouring countries. For many European fans, it is the most important ice hockey event of the year. In countries such as Finland, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Switzerland in particular, the arenas are almost always full.
Rules
Games are played under IIHF rules. In the preliminary round, tied games go to three-on-three overtime and then a shootout. Knockout games also go to overtime; the exact rules are in the tournament regulations.
Venues and spectators
The Worlds are usually hosted by one or two countries together, often in Europe. Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Latvia and Germany have hosted several times in recent decades. Tournaments in the Czech Republic and Finland in particular draw large crowds.
Frequently asked questions
+How often is the Ice Hockey World Championship held?
Every year, usually in May.
+How many teams play in the top division?
16 teams in two groups.
+Has Germany ever won a World Championship medal?
Yes, silver in 1930, 1953 and 2023.
Sources & further links
Editorially researched and checked against association and rulebook information. Found a mistake? Write to us via the Contact page.
Read more in the encyclopedia
Sport
Ice hockey
Ice hockey is a team sport on skates in which two teams, each with five skaters and a goaltender, try to put a hard rubber puck into the opposing goal with their sticks. Three periods of 20 minutes of effective playing time are played.
League & competition
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Ice hockey has been Olympic since 1920, first at the Summer Games in Antwerp, and at the Winter Games from 1924. Women have competed for medals since 1998. The Olympic tournament is seen as the highlight for national teams, especially when NHL players take part.
League & competition
IIHF World Junior Championship (U20)
The U20 World Championship, known internationally as the World Juniors, is the most important tournament for young ice hockey players. It takes place every year between Christmas and early January and is a huge TV event, especially in Canada.
League & competition
IIHF Women's World Championship
The IIHF has held the Women's Ice Hockey World Championship since 1990. Canada and the USA have won almost every title between them. The championship usually takes place every spring, though sometimes not in Olympic years.