2026 IIHF WM, Switzerland: 500 days to go until ice hockey party kicks off in Switzerland

The countdown for the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is on. On Friday, 15 May 2026, the first puck will be dropped – that means there are only 500 days to go until the tournament opens. Fans can sign up for exclusive ticket information on the games in Zurich and Fribourg, while volunteers can register their interest online now too and hear directly once the official registration starts in autumn 2025.

After 17 years, the largest annual winter sports event is set to return to Switzerland from 15 to 31 May 2026. Over the course of 64 games in just 17 days held in two cutting-edge arenas in Zurich and Fribourg, peak athletic performances will be displayed on the ice generating waves of emotion in the stands. For Christian Hofstetter, General Secretary of the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Zurich and Fribourg, it is clear: “We are on track and the anticipation is building day-on-day. We are working with a dedicated and motivated team which is doing its best to get an outstanding Ice Hockey World Championship under way and provide everyone with an unforgettable sporting experience.” 

The core team of the central organising committee has been established in full and the collaboration with the arena owners and authorities has gone smoothly. “The focus is currently on providing the required infrastructure in the areas of sport, TV and media and hospitality that far exceed the demands of regular league games, as well as adapting the ticket offers,” said Christian Hofstetter. At the same time, the OC together with the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation works on sustainable legacy projects that are designed to give Swiss ice hockey and society as a whole a boost beyond the Ice Hockey World Championship.

Ice hockey fans can sign up for news on ticket sales for the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland at www.2026iihfworlds.com. This keeps them up to date so that they will be the first to hear all the details on pre-sale launches and other exciting offers. 

Over 1,000 volunteers to be deployed

The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship will give volunteers a unique opportunity to be part of an extraordinary event. Over 1,000 volunteers will get the chance to be part of an unique event, take a look behind the scenes and help the organising committee with various exciting areas of its duties. The specific areas in which volunteers are to be deployed will be determined over the next few months.

“The volunteers are the beating heart of the event. Their dedication and passion are crucial to making the Ice Hockey World Championship an unforgettable experience for everyone,” emphasised Alexandra Fries, Head of Events and Services.

Anyone who is interested can register now at www.2026iihfworlds.com/volunteers to receive all updates and stay informed once the official registration starts in autumn 2025.