2026 Winter Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey: The Return of NHL Stars on the Global Stage

The 2026 Winter Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament promises to be a historic event, marking the return of NHL players to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014. Set against the stunning backdrop of Milano Cortina, Italy, this tournament will showcase the world’s elite hockey talent in a battle for international supremacy.

Key Details of the 2026 Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament

Event Overview

• Event Name: 2026 Winter Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey
• Location: Milan, Italy
  • Venues: PalaItalia (Santa Giulia) and Fiera Milano
• Dates: February 5–22, 2026
• Participating Teams: 12 national teams

Team Qualification

• Automatic Qualifiers: Top 8 teams from the IIHF World Rankings (post-2023)
• Host Nation: Italy
• Additional Spots: 3 teams from Olympic qualification tournaments

Tournament Format

• Group Stage: 3 groups of 4 teams
  • Each team plays 3 games
• Advancement:
  • Group winners + best second-place team advance directly to quarterfinals
  • Remaining 8 teams play in qualification playoffs
• Knockout Rounds:
  • Qualification Playoffs: February 17
  • Quarterfinals: February 18
  • Semifinals: February 20
  • Bronze Medal Game: February 21
  • Gold Medal Game: February 22

Game Rules

• Regulations: IIHF rules apply
• Rink Size: International-sized rinks (larger than NHL rinks)
• Overtime:
  • Varies by round; gold medal game features 3-on-3 sudden death followed by shootout if needed

NHL Players Return to the Olympics

After missing the 2018 and 2022 Games, NHL players will officially participate in the 2026 Olympics, thanks to an agreement between the NHL, NHLPA, IIHF, and IOC 

This return elevates the level of competition and brings global attention to the tournament, with superstars like Sydney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and David Pastrňák expected to represent their nations.

Participating Nations & Groups

Group A: Canada, Finland, Switzerland, France
Group B: Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, Italy
Group C: USA, Germany, Latvia, Denmark

Looking Ahead

The 2026 Olympic tournament is more than just a competition—it's a celebration of hockey’s global reach and a preview of future international events, including the World Cup of Hockey in 2028.