The stakes could not be higher at the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division I, Group B. With only one promotion spot available, every shift matters and every mistake could prove costly. Hosts China hope home ice will tilt the balance, but the looming clash between Romania’s experience and the Netherlands’ momentum may ultimately define the tournament.
Add in a hungry Korean squad, an improving Spanish side, and a disciplined Estonian team, and Shenzhen is set to host one of the most compelling Division I, Group B battles in recent memory.
Spain
Spain continues its steady rise through the IIHF ranks, powered by speed, cohesion, and a core that has matured together over several seasons. Their attack is led by Jaime Capillas of CH Jaca and Oriol Rubio of FC Barcelona, two forwards capable of breaking open games with pace and creativity. Spain thrives on quick puck movement and transition play, using confidence and chemistry to stay clear of relegation battles and push toward mid‑table stability. With fast, opportunistic scoring and year‑to‑year improvement, Spain has the potential to disrupt the promotion race if they start strong.
China
China enters its fourth straight Division I, Group B tournament, but this year brings the added advantage of home ice in Shenzhen. Head coach Perry Pearn leads a roster built around players from the CIHL champion Beijing Lions, KRS Shenzhen, and Anhui Xinhua, giving the team familiarity and structure. Their greatest strength lies in goal, where Shifeng (Steven) Chen returns after a standout 2025 performance that included a 92.75 save percentage and 2.77 goals‑against average. His strong season in the NCDC with the Boston Jr. Rangers suggests he is ready to carry China again. With disciplined, physical play and a counterattacking style supported by elite goaltending, China could become the tournament’s biggest disruptor. After years hovering between Division I, Group B and Division II, Group A, this may be their breakthrough moment.
Korea
Korea finished second in 2025 and returns determined to take the final step. Their identity is built on speed, relentless forechecking, and elite conditioning. The centerpiece of their attack is Sangwook Kim, last year’s Top Forward and leading scorer with three goals and five assists. His pace and playmaking make him one of the most dangerous players in the tournament. Korea’s development pipeline continues to strengthen, highlighted by a historic bronze at the 2025 IIHF U18 Division I, Group B, giving the senior team more depth and internal competition. With their trademark speed and Kim leading the way, Korea enters Shenzhen as a serious contender.
Estonia
Bronze medalists in 2025, Estonia returns with a roster that blends experience and emerging talent. They remain the classic swing team, capable of upsetting top contenders but vulnerable in tight relegation battles. Their game is built on structure and goaltending, and their success will hinge on the contributions of Robert Rooba, the long‑time offensive leader, and Kristjan Kombe, a young forward with breakout potential. Estonia’s defensive discipline and improving youth pipeline give them more depth than in past cycles. With reliable goaltending and a top scoring duo, Estonia will be a difficult opponent for anyone.
Netherlands
Fresh off a promotion from Division II, Group A, the Netherlands arrive with confidence and a roster built to compete immediately at this level. They bring size, physicality, and one of the most structured systems in the tournament. Their forward group is led by a potent trio featuring 2025 Division II, Group A Top Forward Guus van Nes, the creative D’Artagnan Joly, and reliable scorer Delaney Hessels. In goal, Cedric Andree was outstanding last year with a 96.43 save percentage and 0.67 goals‑against average, while the blue line is anchored by Bjorn Borgman, the Top Defender of Division II, Group A. With elite goaltending, a top‑tier defenseman, and a balanced forward group, the Dutch enter Shenzhen as one of the favourites to claim promotion.
Romania
Promotion favourites after their relegation from Division I, Group A in 2025, Romania enters Shenzhen with the deepest recent experience against stronger opposition. Their offense will be driven by Roberto Gliga, a long‑time national‑team fixture and one of Romania’s most reliable playmakers, along with Norbert Rokaly, the team’s captain and a consistent scoring presence. Supported by a veteran core that includes towering defender Tamás Láday and steady goaltending from Attila Adorján, Romania arrives with both the pedigree and the urgency of a team determined to return to Division I, Group A.