The NHL’s World Cup of Hockey will return in February 2028, and the process is now underway to decide two host cities for the tournament—one in North America and one in Europe. The NHL has officially invited submissions from potential host cities, with deadlines of July 18, 2025, for North American candidates and July 30, 2025, for international bids. The final selection is expected in early 2026.
The 2028 event will feature eight national teams, split into two groups of four. Each host city will stage six group-stage games and two quarterfinals, with the North American venue also hosting the semifinals and the final.
While the North American side will likely feature current NHL arenas, attention is now turning to which European city could host the other group. Here’s a ranked look at seven realistic candidates for the European host, based on capacity, NHL readiness, travel access, and historical experience.
1. O2 Arena – Prague, Czech Republic
- Opened: 2004
- Capacity: 17,383
A fan-favorite and technically advanced arena, Prague’s O2 Arena tops the list of potential European hosts. It meets NHL standards, has hosted the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, and is a central, accessible, and affordable city for traveling fans. Czech fans are known for their passion, and Prague consistently delivers sold-out international events.
2. Avicii Arena – Stockholm, Sweden
- Opened: 1989 (Renovated 2025)
- Capacity: 13,850
Formerly known as the Globe, Stockholm’s Avicii Arena remains one of the most iconic European hockey venues. It has hosted NHL games, World Championships, and World Cups. While its capacity is slightly smaller than Prague’s, Stockholm is a key market for the NHL, and the city’s hockey history keeps it high on the list.
3. Helsinki Arena – Helsinki, Finland
- Opened: 1997 (Reopening 2025)
- Capacity: 13,349
After years of closure, Helsinki Arena is set to reopen in 2025. The venue has a strong NHL and international track record, having hosted numerous IIHF and World Cup games. Concerns remain about the arena’s readiness—particularly the ice plant—but if fully operational, Helsinki is a strong candidate.
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4. Lanxess Arena – Cologne, Germany
- Opened: 1996
- Capacity: 18,500
Germany’s largest hockey venue and home city of Leon Draisaitl, Cologne’s Lanxess Arena could give Germany the spotlight. It has hosted several World Championships and a 2004 World Cup game. However, Germany’s participation in the tournament isn’t confirmed, which could affect its chances.
5. Uber Arena – Berlin, Germany
- Opened: 2008
- Capacity: 14,200
Berlin offers a more accessible and global-friendly option than Cologne. The city previously hosted an NHL preseason game in 2019. Like Cologne, Berlin’s odds depend heavily on Germany being included in the main tournament rather than having to qualify.
6. Nokia Arena – Tampere, Finland
- Opened: 2021
- Capacity: 13,455
Finland’s newest premier hockey venue, Nokia Arena, has hosted recent IIHF events. However, Tampere lacks an international airport, making travel more challenging. With Helsinki re-entering the discussion, Nokia Arena is likely a backup option.
7. Swiss Life Arena – Zurich, Switzerland
- Opened: 2022
- Capacity: 11,157
Although Zurich’s Swiss Life Arena is modern and impressive, its lower capacity and proximity to the IIHF headquarters make it an unlikely pick. The IIHF has expressed concerns over non-Olympic international tournaments in Europe during February, casting doubt on Zurich’s chances.
What About Russia?
Despite Russia’s historic presence in international hockey, geopolitical tensions and the short timeline make it highly improbable that any Russian city will be considered as a host, even if Russia is invited to participate. If included, they are likely to be assigned to the North American group.
With the selection process now open, cities across Europe will be making their pitches in the coming months. The final decision in 2026 will reflect not only infrastructure and fan base, but also geopolitics, NHL strategy, and market potential. For now, Prague stands as the clear frontrunner, but Stockholm, Helsinki, and Cologne remain strong contenders.
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