Hockey: Russia will not participate in the 2026 World Cup in Switzerland

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Ice hockeyRussia will not participate in the 2026 World Cup in Switzerland
The International Hockey Federation (IIHF) has extended the suspension of Russia and Belarus in its competitions for the 2025-2026 season.
Russia has not participated in the world hockey championship since 2021.
Imago Images/BildbyranThe 2026 Ice Hockey World Cup, which will be held in Switzerland, in Zurich and Friborg, from May 15 to 31, will be competed without Russia. The International Hockey Federation (IIHF) extended the suspension against Russia and Belarus for its competitions for the 2025-2026 on Tuesday.
Russia has been deprived of tournaments organized by the IIHF since 2022 due to the Russian invasion in Ukraine. This includes, the male, female and junior world championships. As a ally, Belarus is under the same sanctions.
“The IIHF council considers that it is not yet sure to reintegrate the national and club club teams and Biélorussia in its championships for the 2025-2026 season.” said the IIHF in its press release.
Pavel Bure, the representative of the Russian hockey federation for international affairs has swept this justification. “In our opinion, this argument is not strong enough. There are more than 50 Russians who play in NHL. Russian swimmers, chess players and representatives of other sports participate in international competitions and no incident occurs, “he told Forbes media.
The IIHF adds: “The current security conditions do not allow the requirements necessary for the organization of tournaments guaranteeing the security of all, the IIHF must maintain the status quo until further notice.”
Not yet a decision for the 2026 Olympic Games
The reintegration of Russia and Belarus for the 2026-2027 season will be discussed in May 2026 at the IIHF council meeting preceding the annual congress.
This decision does not concern the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan – Cortina from Ampezzo. The question of Russia’s participation in this event has not yet been decided by the IOC. If Sbornaja was to be suspended for this competition, it would be replaced by France, best training eliminated during the pre-Olympic qualification tournament.