The ice is set, the jerseys are ready, and the world's best are gearing up for an unforgettable showdown. Just three months after the Winter Olympics, the 2026 IIHF World Championship is bringing elite hockey back to Switzerland, with all the action unfolding in Zurich and Fribourg over two thrilling weeks.

While the NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs may keep some stars away, the rosters are still stacked with talent. Team USA enters as the defending champion, fueled by powerhouses like Matthew Tkachuk, Justin Faulk, and Ryan Lindgren. But Canada is hungry for redemption after a shocking quarterfinal loss to Denmark in 2025. With Sidney Crosby joining the squad late, alongside 2026 Olympian Macklin Celebrini and veterans John Tavares and Ryan O'Reilly, the Canadians are poised for a comeback.

Will a North American giant claim the crown, or could Sweden, Switzerland, or Finland crash the party? Here's everything you need to catch every game, from the opening face-off to the final buzzer.

When and Where to Watch
Select games will air live in the U.S. on NHL Network. For cord-cutters, streaming is available on fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers—perfect for testing the waters before committing. The service carries ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, and over 100 other channels, so you won't miss a single slapshot.

Tournament Format
Sixteen nations are split into two groups of eight. The preliminary round sees teams battle within their groups, earning points for wins (3), overtime wins (2), and overtime losses (1). The top four from each group advance to the quarterfinals, kicking off a single-elimination playoff that promises high-stakes drama all the way to the championship game.

Whether you're repping your country's colors or just love the game, this is hockey at its finest. Grab your gear and get ready to cheer.