Australia's IIHF World Championship Campaigns Locked In For 2026
Published Fri 23 May 2025
Ice Hockey Australia is excited to announce the locations and dates for all five of our national teams competing in the 2026 IIHF World Championships, marking a significant milestone in the continued development and success of Australian ice hockey on the international stage.
2026 IIHF World Championship Schedule:
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World Men Division IIA
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
20–26 April 2026 -
World Women Division IIA
Bled, Slovenia
7–13 April 2026 -
World Men U20 Division IIB
Belgrade, Serbia
18–24 January 2026 -
World Men U18 Division IIB
Belgrade, Serbia
5–11 April 2026 -
World Women U18 Division IB
Katowice, Poland
5–11 January 2026
Historic Promotion for Australian Women
The standout announcement is the promotion of the Australian World Women’s team to Division IIA, following their gold-medal performance in 2025 in New Zealand. This will see the team compete in Bled, Slovenia next April.
Ryan O’Handley, President of Ice Hockey Australia, praised the women’s team for their historic achievement:
“This promotion is a landmark moment for women’s ice hockey in Australia. It’s a reflection of the hard work, belief, and talent that this group has shown over many years. Playing in Division IIA will offer a higher level of competition and exposure, and we’re proud to continue building a strong pathway for Australian women to excel on the world stage.”
U18 Women Set for Continued Growth in Division IB
The Australian U18 Women’s team will return to Division IB, after a strong showing in 2024, with a renewed focus on solidifying their presence at this level.
Adam Woolnough, General Manager of Ice Hockey Australia, emphasised the significance of this opportunity:
“To have our U18 Women remain in Division IB is not only a testament to their skill and resilience but also a crucial step in our long-term development plan. Competing against some of the best emerging programs in the world gives our young athletes invaluable experience and inspiration.”
Strong Foundations for All Teams
With consistent performances across all divisions, Australia will again field teams in both the Men’s U20 and U18 Division IIB tournaments in Belgrade, Serbia, and the Men’s Division IIA tournament in Al Ain, UAE, continuing to build upon a solid international foundation.
Each team’s preparation is already underway, with Ice Hockey Australia committed to providing the right support and opportunities for our athletes, coaches, and staff as they represent the nation on the global stage.
Stay tuned to Ice Hockey Australia's channels for updates, team announcements, and behind-the-scenes content as we head toward an exciting 2026 season of international competition.
