Russia’s return to World Cup hinges on one major condition

The NHL has officially unveiled major details for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, and while the tournament itself is generating excitement, one looming question is already stirring controversy: will Russia be allowed to return?

Following this week’s general managers meetings, commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed that the tournament will feature eight teams, with games set to take place in Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague. Overtime rules will follow the NHL’s playoff format, meaning 5-on-5 until a winner is decided.

But the biggest uncertainty remains Russia’s status.

According to earlier reports from Andy Strickland, several countries have already warned the league they could boycott the tournament if Russia is included.

That pressure was later confirmed when Bill Daly addressed the situation directly.

Daly revealed to Sportsnet’s Eric Engels that Finland, Sweden, and Czechia are among the nations taking a firm stance. And while the NHL hasn’t officially ruled Russia in or out, Daly made it clear that their participation depends on one major factor.

“I don’t think we’re out of sync with where the Finns and Swedes and Czechs are with respect to Russian participation,” Daly said. “It’ll be available if certain things happen. And if certain things don’t happen, they’re likely not to participate.”

When pressed on what those “certain things” were, Daly confirmed the obvious: the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Until that conflict ends, Russia’s return to international competition remains highly unlikely. For now, the NHL is left balancing politics, global tensions, and the desire to showcase the best players in the world. Whether the 2028 World Cup truly features hockey’s “best-on-best” may ultimately depend on events far beyond the ice.