Publication date: 20 Nov 2022
About the IIHF World Junior Championship
The IIHF World Junior Championship is an annual international tournament held under the auspices of the IIHF. The competition is for hockey players under 20 years of age and is held in late December – early January. This tournament is considered one of the most prestigious venues for identifying promising players, many of whom later become stars of the NHL and other professional leagues. The World Junior Championship attracts the attention of both spectators and scouts who follow young talents.
About the 2026 World Junior Championship
The 2026 World Championship will be held from December 26, 2025 to January 5, 2026. Tournament will be held in the American state of Minnesota, in the city of St. Paul, which guarantees a high level of organization and great interest from the local public.
The championship will be attended by teams from the strongest hockey countries, including Canada, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic and others.
Features of the 2026 tournament
- Introduction of new technologies to improve refereeing.
- Focus on the development of women’s hockey, including demonstration matches.
- Increasing interest in youth hockey schools through parallel events.
History of the IIHF World Junior Championship
The origins of the World Junior Championship trace back to 1974 when it was initially held as an unofficial event. It achieved official recognition in 1977, with the Soviet Union emerging as the inaugural champion. The tournament swiftly became well-known for its intense competition and captivating matches.
Among the key historical events:
The adoption of the divisional format in 1996 expanded the tournament’s inclusivity, enabling more nations to compete. Hockey saw significant progress in countries like Germany and Switzerland, which were not traditionally seen as strongholds of the sport. Meanwhile, the fierce showdowns between Canada and Russia frequently stood out as the tournament’s most thrilling moments.
Results of previous Championships
| The year | Venue | Results/ Places |
| 2024/25 | Canada | 1 – USA (7th title)
2 – Finland 3 – Czech Republic |
| 2023/24 | Sweden | 1 – USA (6th title)
2 – Sweden 3 – Czech Republic |
| 2022/23 | Canada | 1 – Canada (20th title)
2 – Czech Republic 3 – USA |
2027 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
Information about the dates and location of the next season of the youth championship is being clarified.
Keep an eye on the dates of the IIHF World Junior Championship and other events in our Sports events calendar.
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