Tournament dates: May 10 – 26
Locations: Prague (O2 Arena) and Ostrava (Ostravar Arena), Czech Republic
Broadcast: Viaplay, TV3, TV6 / P4 Radiosporten
Tournament format:
- 16 teams compete, divided into two groups (Group A in Prague, Group B in Ostrava).
- Top four from each group advance to quarterfinals.
- Bottom two from each group face relegation to the B-World Championship.
Group A (Prague): Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Great Britain (newcomer)
Group B (Ostrava): Sweden, USA, Slovakia, Latvia, France, Germany, Kazakhstan, Poland (newcomer)
Suspended teams: Russia and Belarus remain excluded due to the war in Ukraine.
Sweden's schedule:
- Friday, May 10: USA (8:20 PM)
- May 12: Poland (8:20 PM)
- May 13: Germany (8:20 PM)
- May 16: Kazakhstan (4:20 PM)
- May 18: Latvia (12:20 PM)
- May 20: France (4:20 PM)
- May 21: Slovakia (8:20 PM)
Quarterfinals: May 23rd Semifinals: May 25th Medal Matches: May 26th
Sweden's gold aspirations:
Tre Kronor boasts a formidable squad, especially on defense with NHL stars Erik Karlsson, Victor Hedman, and Rasmus Dahlin. While the forwards aren't as widely known, Lucas Raymond and Joel Eriksson Ek impressed with 31 and 30 goals respectively in the NHL this season. Sweden enters with 18 NHL players, with the possibility of more joining. Head Coach Sam Hallam hasn't ruled out roster adjustments if necessary.
Sweden's last quarterfinal appearance was in 2018, when they won their second consecutive gold medal. This year, the potential for gold seems high, at least on paper.
Main competitors:
Sweden opens the tournament against a star-studded USA team featuring Johnny Gaudreau, Brady Tkachuk, and Trevor Zegras. Reigning champions Canada, as always, pose a threat, even with a young squad led by top draft pick Connor Bedard. Switzerland hopes to add Roman Josi (nominated for the NHL's best defenseman award), while the Czech Republic boasts the services of tough defender Radko Gudas and star forward Ondrej Palat. Finland's roster depends on players still competing in the NHL playoffs.
Rise of star power:
Recent World Championships lacked top players. Now, with the NHL allowing more international participation, excitement is surging. Additionally, the NHL's announced return to the Olympics in 2026 and a mini-World Cup planned for February 2025 contribute to the increased player interest.
Past winners:
Canada is the defending champion, defeating Germany in last year's final. Sweden has 11 World Championship gold medals throughout history.