Discover the world's premier ice hockey venues that host the IIHF World Championship. From Finland's Nokia Arena to Prague's O2 Arena, explore where hockey nations battle for glory.
The IIHF World Championship rotates between elite venues across hockey nations, featuring arenas from Finland's Nokia Arena to Czech Republic's O2 Arena. The 2026 tournament will be co-hosted by Finland and Sweden, continuing the tradition of world-class international ice hockey competition.
Finland's newest premier ice hockey venue, host to multiple IIHF World Championships with state-of-the-art facilities.
Prague's iconic multipurpose arena, frequently hosting IIHF World Championships and major international tournaments.
Sweden's premier ice hockey venue, home to multiple World Championships and legendary for its incredible atmosphere.
Switzerland's largest ice hockey arena, renowned for hosting memorable IIHF World Championships with passionate crowds.
Germany's premier multipurpose arena, hosting multiple IIHF World Championships and major international events.
Canada's temple of hockey, hosting prestigious IIHF tournaments and serving as a benchmark for international venues.
California's premier hockey venue, occasionally hosting IIHF tournaments and international competitions.
Russia's modern ice hockey venue, designed for hosting international tournaments and major championships.
Slovakia's premier international ice hockey venue, built specifically for hosting IIHF World Championships.
France's multipurpose arena, occasionally configured for ice hockey and hosting international tournaments.
Seventeen years of elite international ice hockey, showcasing the finest venues and nations across the globe.
2010-2015
European venues establish themselves as premier IIHF championship hosts.
2016-2020
Tournament expands to new venues and emerging hockey markets worldwide.
2021-2026
State-of-the-art venues and enhanced international competition format.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship is the premier annual international ice hockey tournament for national teams.
Co-hosting the championship with Nokia Arena and Avicii Arena.
Several venues have hosted multiple times, including O2 Arena Prague, Avicii Arena Stockholm, and various Swiss venues. The tournament rotates to ensure fair hosting opportunities.
Bell Centre in Montreal has the largest capacity at 21,302, followed by LANXESS Arena in Cologne at 19,250. These venues provide incredible atmospheres for international play.
The 2026 IIHF World Championship will be co-hosted by Finland and Sweden, featuring Nokia Arena in Tampere and Avicii Arena in Stockholm as the primary venues.
The IIHF selects host countries through a bidding process, considering venue quality, infrastructure, and the country's hockey heritage. Rotation ensures global representation.