How does the 2026 World Juniors format work?
The World Junior Ice Hockey Championship is a premier annual tournament featuring the top under-20 national teams from around the globe. Each year, fans look forward to exciting games that showcase the next generation of hockey stars.
The 2026 edition will feature 10 teams competing from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026, at two venues in Minnesota, USA: Xcel Energy Center and 3M Arena at Mariucci.
World Junior 2026 Groups
| Group A (Xcel Energy Center) | Group B (3M Arena at Mariucci) |
| United States (1) | Finland (2) |
| Sweden (4) | Czechia (3) |
| Slovakia (6) | Canada (5) |
| Switzerland (8) | Latvia (7) |
| Germany (9) | Denmark (11) |
Tournament Format
Preliminary Round:
- The 10 teams are divided into two groups of five.
- Each team plays four games within their group.
- Teams are ranked based on win-loss record.
- The last-placed team in each group is eliminated from playoff contention.
Medal / Playoff Round:
- The top four teams from each group advance to the medal round.
- Teams face off in a knockout-style bracket, with matchups like 1A vs. 4B and 2A vs. 3B.
- Winners advance to the semifinals, and the top two teams meet in the Championship Game for gold, while the losing semifinalists play for bronze.
Relegation Format:
- The two lowest-ranked teams play a best-of-three series.
- The winner remains in the top division for the next year, while the loser is relegated to Division I A.
Points System
The IIHF uses a three-point system to rank teams in the preliminary round:
- 3 points – Win in regulation
- 2 points – Win in overtime or shootout
- 1 point – Loss in overtime or shootout
- 0 points – Loss in regulation
Overtime & Shootout Rules
- All games consist of three 20-minute periods.
- If tied after regulation, a 5-minute sudden-death overtime is played.
- If still tied, a penalty shootout decides the winner.
- Each team selects five shooters for the shootout. If tied, additional rounds continue until a winner is determined.
Why It’s Special
Since its inception in 1977, the World Juniors has become a highlight of the hockey calendar. Canada is the most successful nation, with 18 gold medals, and the tournament attracts passionate fans, strong media coverage, and future NHL stars.
The 2026 edition marks the 50th anniversary of the event, promising intense competition, thrilling games, and unforgettable moments for hockey fans worldwide.