One year to go: the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is getting closer

The countdown is on: in one year’s time, on 15 May 2026, the two opening games in Zurich and Fribourg will kickstart the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland. While the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is currently in full swing in Stockholm and Herning, the preparations for the upcoming tournament are already under way. Cooly, the beloved mascot, will return to the ice and will make sure to get fans into the spirit.

The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is returning to Switzerland after 17 years. The world’s best national teams will compete for the coveted Ice Hockey World Championship title in 64 games from 15 to 31 May 2026. The venues are the modern arenas in Zurich and Fribourg, which offer the perfect conditions for thrilling duels on the ice and an exhilarating atmosphere in the stands and Official Fan Zones.

A year before the big event: preparations are in full swing

Christian Hofstetter, General Secretary of the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Zurich and Fribourg, expresses his optimism: “The anticipation is immense! Our team is working tirelessly to organise a world-class tournament and ice hockey festival. We cannot wait to provide spectators from all over the world with an unforgettable experience.”

Cooperation between the venues, authorities and partners is running to schedule. The focus is currently on adding the finishing touches to the infrastructure, the Official Fan Zones and the TV and media requirements, as well as implementing the ticketing and hospitality strategy. Ice hockey fans can already register on the official website to receive first-hand information on ticket offers and other key information.

Ticket sales to start in multi-stage process

Ticket sales for the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship will be at staggered intervals: The official pre-sale of the Game Day Package begins in September 2025 – when the game schedule is revealed – before Single Game Ticket are finally available from February 2026. But the first tickets will become available as early as the day after the gold medal game of the 2025 IIHF WM, on the 26 May 2025, with Venue Packages, Preliminary Round Package and Final Round Package Zurich coming on sale.

Cooly is back

Cooly, the popular and unmistakable mascot, is back! Cooly was born to entertain fans at the 2009 IIHF WM in Switzerland and quickly became a crowd favourite. Cooly has been a highlight at various sporting events in Switzerland over the past 10 years. Now Cooly is returning as the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship’s official mascot and will entertain the crowd in the arenas and Official Fan Zones.

Join in and be there: volunteers needed

Over 1’300 volunteers will support the Ice Hockey World Championship organization. Your involvement is crucial for the event's success. If you would like to be part of this one-of-a-kind sporting experience, you can register online now at 2026.iihfworlds.com and find out more as soon as the official registration begins in autumn 2025.