The medals of the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland are more than just an award. They are a piece of Swiss identity cast in precious metal. Inspired by the rugged topography of the Alps, they embody the essence of ice hockey: sharp-edged, uncompromising, and powerfully present.

On May 15, the opening games in Zurich and Fribourg will mark the start of the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland. Until May 31, the world’s best national teams will compete in a total of 64 games, battling for the World Champion’s title. The modern arenas in Zurich and Fribourg – Swiss Life Arena and BCF Arena – provide ideal conditions and promise top-level sport as well as an electrifying atmosphere, both inside the arenas and in the Official Fan Zones.

The Medals – Shaped from ice and rock

The medal design deliberately breaks with classic forms. The lower half of the medal features a three-dimensional, rugged mountain landscape. Its sharp ridges and raw fractures reflect the toughness and dynamism of the game on the ice. In contrast, the smooth upper half symbolizes the precision and clarity required to reach the top of the world stage.

“We wanted to create an object that not only illustrates Switzerland, but truly represents it,” explains Christian Hofstetter, Secretary General of the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. “The Alps are not just a motif – they are the material. The interplay of light and shadow across the massive surfaces follows the same visual language that defines the entire event design. This medal is the crowning achievement of the tournament.”

Crafted according to official IIHF specifications, each medal is a solid piece of craftsmanship. On May 31, it will become clear who has the strength and endurance to take this piece of Swiss topography home with them.

Time to shine.