NHL makes a major announcement on the World Cup of Hockey

Today the NHL announced the official launch of the Host City Selection Process for the World Cup of Hockey in 2028.

In the announcement from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, the league is inviting cities across North America, Europe, and other international markets to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The deadline for EOI submissions is Friday, July 18, 2025 at 18:00 EDT for North American cities and Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 18:00 EDT for international cities. This marks the first phase in a structured bid process leading to the final selection of host cities which is expected to occur in Q1 of 2026.

Scheduled for February 2028, the WCH 2028, an 8-nation tournament, is expected to feature round-robin and quarterfinal games in two host cities, with the semifinals and championship game currently anticipated to take place in one of those cities, subject to final host city selection. The tournament is expected to be 12 days and include 17 games, along with extensive ancillary programming such as public viewing events.

“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 tournament offers cities a chance to be part of something truly global, while delivering meaningful economic and cultural benefits in return.”

“The World Cup of Hockey 2028 will bring together the best players in the world, representing their countries with pride,” said Marty Walsh, Executive Director of the NHLPA. “We look forward to working with cities that want to help shape the future of international hockey and inspire a new generation of hockey fans.”

The NHL has held the World Cup three times in 1996, 2004, and 2016 and then returned to the international game this past season with the 4 Nations Cup.