Women's ice hockey championship begins in Denmark without Russia

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 13:48 · Archive

The IIHF Women's World Championship is underway in Denmark from November 6 to 16, featuring ten nations competing for the title.

The IIHF Women's World Championship is underway in Denmark, running from November 6 to November 16. The tournament features ten nations divided into two groups: the United States, Czechia, Switzerland, Germany and Austria in Group A, with Canada, Finland, Sweden, Japan and Denmark in Group B.

This is the first time the championship has been held in November. Previously, it took place in spring, except for 2021 and 2022 when the COVID pandemic led to a summer move. The November timing was chosen to allow the world's best players to participate, particularly those from the North America-based Professional Women's Hockey League. The PWHL does not begin its regular season until December, so players no longer need to pause their league play.

The tournament format has also changed. Previously, five teams from a stronger Group A all advanced to the quarterfinals, while the structure was weighted to avoid lopsided scores. Now, four teams advance from each group. The United States and Canada, which have won every championship since the tournament began in 1990, are placed in separate groups, meaning they can only meet in the final.

How it is being reported

• What to know about the IIHF Women's Ice Hockey World ChampionshipAs ice hockey's governing body continues to wrangle over how to respond to a CAS order to reinstate Russia to international play, the top women's tournament gets underway in Denmark. Without Russia.DW News · 6 Nov, 13:26
• How to watch IIHF Women's World Championship 2026 for FREE: Ice Hockey Live Streams & TV Channels, Preliminary roundAs 10 nations gather in Denmark, see how to watch 2026 IIHF Women's World Championship ice hockey from anywhere and with free live streams.TechRadar · 6 Nov, 10:00

In this story: Denmark · United States · Canada · International Ice Hockey Federation · Professional Women's Hockey League

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