The 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship brings together 10 of the world’s top women’s national ice hockey teams for an international tournament in Denmark. The competition runs from November 6 through November 16, 2026, with games taking place in Herning and Esbjerg.
The United States, Canada, Finland, Czechia, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Austria and host nation Denmark will compete for the world championship title.
Team USA enters the tournament as one of the leading contenders after its recent international success, while Canada will once again aim to challenge its biggest rival for gold. Finland, Czechia and Sweden will also look to make a strong impression during the competition.
The preliminary round runs through November 11, followed by the relegation game and quarterfinals on November 13. The semifinals are scheduled for November 15, while the bronze medal and gold medal games will conclude the tournament on November 16.
Here is everything hockey fans need to know about the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship schedule, including game times, TV channels, live streaming options, scores, results and updated group standings.
IIHF Women’s World Championship 2026: Key Information
Where to Watch the IIHF Women’s World Championship 2026
Hockey fans in the United States can follow selected games of the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship on NHL Network. Live streaming is also available through Fubo for eligible broadcasts.
NHL Network’s coverage includes Team USA games and selected playoff matchups. Fans should check their local TV listings and streaming services for broadcast availability, as coverage may vary by game.
Canadian viewers can check TSN and TSN+ for tournament coverage, including Team Canada games. International viewers should consult the IIHF’s official broadcasting information for regional options.
2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship Schedule and Scores
The tournament features preliminary-round matchups across two groups, followed by the knockout stage. All preliminary-round games are scheduled in either Herning or Esbjerg.
The schedule below uses Eastern Time (ET). Scores are included for completed games, while upcoming fixtures are listed without invented results.
IIHF Women’s World Championship 2026 Standings
The 10 participating teams are divided into two groups of five. Each team competes in the preliminary round, with the results determining qualification and placement for the knockout stage.
Group A Standings
Group B Standings
Standings reflect the opening-day results and are not final tournament standings. Update the tables after each round.
2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship Groups and Teams
Ten national teams are participating in the 2026 tournament, with five teams assigned to each preliminary-round group.
Group A
- United States
- Czechia
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Austria
Group B
- Canada
- Finland
- Sweden
- Japan
- Denmark
The 2026 tournament introduces a revised group format, with teams distributed more evenly between the two groups based on world rankings and the previous championship’s results.
Tournament Format: How Does the 2026 Women’s World Championship Work?
The 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship features a preliminary round followed by relegation and knockout games.
Both groups contain five teams. Teams compete within their respective groups during the preliminary round, which concludes on November 11.
The tournament then moves into the playoff stage:
- November 13: One relegation game and four quarterfinals.
- November 15: Two semifinal games.
- November 16: Bronze medal game and gold medal final.
The quarterfinals determine the four semifinalists, who continue their pursuit of the championship. The semifinal winners advance to the gold medal game, while the losing teams compete for bronze.
Teams to Watch at the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Championship
United States
Team USA is one of the strongest contenders in women’s international hockey. The Americans have consistently reached the championship final and arrive with significant experience from recent international competitions.
Players such as Hilary Knight, Caroline Harvey and Kelly Pannek are among the notable names associated with the American team.
Canada
Canada remains one of the biggest rivals to the United States in women’s hockey. The Canadian team has a long history of success at the World Championship and will be looking to compete for another gold medal.
Finland
Finland is another major contender with a strong international hockey tradition. Its opening 4–1 victory over Denmark provides an encouraging start to the competition.
Czechia
Czechia has continued to develop as a competitive force in women’s international hockey. Its opening 4–1 win against Austria gives the team an important three points in Group A.
Sweden
Sweden will aim to challenge the leading teams and make a strong run through the preliminary round. Its experience in international competition makes it a team worth watching.
2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship Venues
Denmark is hosting the tournament across two cities: Herning and Esbjerg.
Both venues will welcome international teams and hockey fans throughout the championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship start?
The 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship began on Friday, November 6, 2026, in Denmark.
When is the 2026 Women’s World Championship final?
The gold medal game is scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.
Where is the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship being held?
The tournament is taking place in Denmark, with matches hosted in Herning and Esbjerg.
Which TV channel broadcasts the 2026 Women’s World Championship in the USA?
NHL Network carries selected tournament games, including Team USA matchups and selected playoff games.
How can I stream the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship?
Eligible US broadcasts can be streamed through Fubo. International viewers should check their regional broadcasters and the official IIHF website.
How many teams are participating in the 2026 Women’s World Championship?
Ten national teams are competing, divided into Group A and Group B.
When are the 2026 Women’s World Championship semifinals?
Both semifinal games are scheduled for Sunday, November 15, 2026.
When is the bronze medal game?
The bronze medal game is scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship promises another exciting international hockey competition, with the United States and Canada expected to attract plenty of attention. However, Finland, Czechia, Sweden and other participating nations will also be looking to challenge the traditional favorites.
With preliminary-round games taking place from November 6 through November 11, followed by the knockout stage and medal games, fans have plenty of hockey action to follow.
