The schedule for the 2024 IIHF World Championship was today announced for the tournament taking place in Prague and Ostrava, Czechia, the first tournament set to play at its intended host cities and arenas since 2019, following concerns over COVID-19, political unrest in Belarus, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Group A, which meets in the capital of Prague, sees the group topped by hosts Czechia and the last two world champions, Canada and Finland, fighting to finish atop the group and avoid any travel during the medal rounds. The group also includes Switzerland, Denmark and Norway, aiming for at least the fourth and final quarterfinal spot, while the fight for relegation will almost certainly come down to Austria and recently promoted Great Britain.

Group B, which will play in Ostrava, will see 2023’s surprise Silver and Bronze medal winners Germany and Latvia go head-to-head against powerhouse nations like Sweden and the United States, looking to prove to the world that their ascents last year was no fluke. The likes of France and Slovakia will be looking to capture some of that magic, while the bottom of the group will likely be between Kazakhstan and Poland, returning to the Top Division for the first time in over two decades.

The tournament schedule is as follows:

The IHLC title will likely be brought to Central Europe by current champions (and defending World Champions) Canada, who likely will not defend the IHLC until pre-tournament games in May 2023. However, whether there is an upset in the making just before the tournament, or Canada opens as incumbent champions on 11 May, remains to be seen!

Photo Credit: 2023 World Championship – IIHF – HHOF – IOC