The NHL's deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Russia will probably not be allowed to participate in the World Cup 2028 if the war in Ukraine is still ongoing. The statement came during a press conference where Daly and commissioner Gary Bettman addressed reports that Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic would boycott the tournament if Russia were invited. According to sources, including reports from Czech journalist Robert Rampa, these three countries have informed the NHL they will not participate if Russia is involved.
The Swedish Ice Hockey Association's chairman Anders Larsson did not confirm the reports but stated that Sweden's position on Russia remains unchanged and aligns with IIHF decisions up to the 2026/27 season. The NHL confirmed it is aware of the stance from Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic and is in sync with them. The tournament venues for World Cup 2028 have been announced as Prague, Calgary, and Edmonton, but the participating nations are not yet confirmed.
Russia will probably not be allowed to participate in the World Cup 2028 if the war in Ukraine is still ongoing.
Russia has not been included in major tournaments since the invasion of Ukraine, including the 4 Nations Face Off and the 2026 Olympics.
Sweden's position on Russia remains unchanged and aligns with IIHF decisions up to the 2026/27 season.