IIHF World Junior Championship

Last Updated: 9 january 2026

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 2027 World Junior Championship

In 2027, the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship will once again be held in its traditional winter schedule—from late December 2026 to early January 2027. The competition will bring together the world’s top 10 U20 teams and will become one of the most anticipated events in junior hockey, traditionally home to the birth of future NHL stars.

Tournament Dates and Location

Canada will host the 2027 WJC, and the matches will be held in two cities in Alberta: Edmonton and Red Deer. Key tournament games, including the semifinals and final, are scheduled for Rogers Place in Edmonton. The remaining group stage matches and portions of the playoffs will be held at the Marchant Crane Centrium in Red Deer.

Tournament format will remain the same: teams will be divided into two groups, after which the top teams will advance to the knockout stages. The final distribution of teams into groups and a detailed schedule will be announced closer to the start of the championship.

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

2028 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.