At the conclusion of the Women’s World Championship Division IA tournament in Shenzhen, China today, it was Austria and Denmark that finally scooped up the last promotion spots to the Top Division in 2026, to be hosted in Canada.

As of Thursday, Austria had already locked up their return spot by virtue of a 3-0-1 undefeated streak, sitting at 11 points. However, there was a three-way tie for the coveted second spot between Denmark, Slovakia and France, with Les Bleus sitting at eight points, and Denmark and Slovakia each at six. Slovakia defeated the Netherlands 4-1 in the early game to move to nine points, while France was defeated by the undefeated Austria to fall out of clinching, leaving Denmark needing to defeat the hosts to book their ticket. China, with just one win in five games, tried desperately to play spoiler and send the home fans happy, but it was a late goal by Nicoline Jensen in the 53rd minute that sealed the 1-0 win and the Lions’ return to the Top Division.

Austria and Denmark will join the Top Division at next year’s Worlds in Canada, which will now convert to a serpentine grouping system, similar to the World Junior Championship for the first time, which will also mean just one team is relegated going forward. Austria and Denmark will replace Norway and Hungary, who were relegated at this spring’s tournament in České Budějovice, Czechia, who will compete in Division IA next year against the France, China, Slovakia and recently promoted Italy.

Photo Credit: OEHV – DR – IIHF – HHOF – IOC