The highly anticipated World Cup of Hockey is set to make its return, with the NHL announcing that Edmonton, Calgary, and Prague will co-host the 2028 tournament. This marks the first time the event will be held since 2016, when Canada emerged victorious on home ice in Toronto.

The structure of the tournament will feature a round-robin format split between Calgary and Prague, with both cities hosting a total of seven games each. This includes six round-robin matches and one elimination contest. The semifinals and the final are scheduled to take place in Edmonton, making it a central hub for the latter stages of the competition.

Highlighting the announcement were key figures from the world of hockey, including Calgary native and defenseman Cale Makar, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, and Czech star David Pastrnak. Together, they participated in a promotional video shared by the NHL on their social media channels, creating excitement for the upcoming event.

The tournament is slated to take place in February 2028, with a total of 17 games expected to be played. Eight countries are anticipated to compete, although the status of Russia's participation remains uncertain due to ongoing geopolitical dynamics. Current confirmed participants include hockey powerhouses Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Germany, and Switzerland.

In the lead-up to this announcement, an original group of 25 applicants bid to host the prestigious tournament, underscoring its significance within the sport. The World Cup of Hockey has been held on three previous occasions: in 1996, 2004, and 2016. The inaugural tournament was won by the United States, followed by successive victories for Canada in 2004 and 2016, solidifying Canada's dominance in the modern hockey era.

As excitement builds for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, fans and players alike are eager to witness top-level competition and international rivalry showcased on the ice.