The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has published the official schedules for the European Cup of Nations – an important step for the new competition format that is intended to revitalize international ice hockey breaks in the future.
With the tournament, the IIHF wants to give more meaning to the often little-used international match windows in November, December and February – and offer European national teams regular, high-quality competitions. The new format is a central project within the ICE26 strategy of the world association.
18 nations are fighting for points and prestige
In the premiere season 2025/26 18 national teams compete against each other in five groups with three or four teams each. The game is played in various European cities.
The group division:
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Group A: Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, Austria
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Group B: France, Denmark, Norway, Hungary
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Group C: Poland, Italy, Great Britain, Slovenia
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Group D: Lithuania, Ukraine, Romania
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Group E: Estonia, Netherlands, Spain
Voices of those responsible
IIHF President Luc Tardif explained:
“With the publication of the first schedules, the vision becomes reality. Fans, players and associations can now see how this tournament brings structure and meaning to the international breaks – and opens up new opportunities for the national teams at the highest level.”
Zsuzsanna KolbenheyerPresident of the Hungarian Ice Hockey Association, emphasized:
“This tournament creates a clear development path and regular competitions. We can plan better, prepare more specifically and present our players on a larger stage.”
Also Morten Greengeneral manager of the Danish national team, sees great opportunities:
“Now the anticipation is palpable. Strong opponents on a regular basis – that’s the way you get better and new rivalries emerge.”
For Marta ZawadzkaVice President of the Polish Association, states:
“The European Cup of Nations is more than an idea – it is becoming a tradition. It gives meaning to every international break and strengthens the connection between teams and fans.”
Venues and dates fixed
The first group games will be from November 6th to 9th, 2025 carried out. Austria hits in Group A in Landshut (GER) on Germany, Slovakia and Latvia.
Group A (Landshut)
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November 6th, 2025: Austria – Slovakia (12:15 p.m.)
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November 6th, 2025: Germany – Latvia (7:45 p.m.)
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November 8th, 2025: Slovakia – Latvia (11:00 a.m.)
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November 8th, 2025: Germany – Austria (6:45 p.m.)
- November 9, 2025: Latvia – Austria (11:00 a.m.)
- November 9th, 2025: Germany – Slovakia (2:45 p.m.)
The other groups also play on the same days – including Epinal (FRA), Sosnowiec (POL), Electrenai (LTU) and Tallinn (EST).
A new chapter for Europe’s national teams
With the European Cup of Nations The IIHF wants to use the international breaks to to strengthen the European ice hockey market, To bind fans more closely to their national teams and to sustainably promote young talent.
All games will be live on IIHF TV broadcast and are intended to attract international attention outside of the World Championships.
Pic: F. Gardener
