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last mo.

IIHF Delays 2026 Women’s World Championship Host Decision in Scheduling Dispute with PWHL

PWHL officials flagged concerns about two extended breaks close together in their expanded schedule.

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Canada’s Marie-Philip Poulin, left, and Micah Zandee-Hart, middle, pictured at 2022 women’s hockey championship in Denmark. The tourney was held in August and September that year after February's Olympics in Beijing.

Overview

  • The IIHF announced on June 2 that it will postpone selecting the 2026 championship host city until its October 3–4, 2025, semi-annual congress.
  • Women’s committee chair Zsuzsanna Kolbenheyer has reiterated that IIHF bylaws call for the tournament to be held in March to early April.
  • PWHL executive vice-president Jayna Hefford warned the league could face two lengthy international pauses if the world championship follows the post-Olympics window.
  • The PWHL plans to add franchises in Vancouver and Seattle as it prepares for its third season.
  • Observers say the crowded international hockey calendar—including age-group world championships, the men’s tournament and the NCAA Frozen Four—limits date options for the women’s event.