Two World-Class Arenas and a Czech Touch on the Ice

From May 15 to 31, 2026, Switzerland becomes the centre of world hockey. The IIHF World Championship 2026 will welcome 16 of the world’s top national teams across two exceptional arenas – and the quality of ice and technical equipment will once again be under global scrutiny.

Two Arenas, Two Cities

All Group A matches, both semi-finals and the gold and bronze medal games will be held at Swiss Life Arena in Zurich’s Altstetten district – a modern venue opened in 2022 with a capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators.

The second venue, BCF Arena in Fribourg, underwent extensive modernisation and will offer a capacity of 7,500 seats for the championship. BCF Arena will host a total of 30 games, including two quarter-final matchups.

Group A at Swiss Life Arena features the USA, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Austria, Hungary and Great Britain. Group B at BCF Arena in Fribourg includes Canada, Sweden, Czech Republic, Denmark, Slovakia, Norway, Slovenia and Italy.

Why Ice Quality Matters More Than Ever

At a World Championship, ice is not just frozen water. It is a precisely managed technical system where every millimetre of thickness, every degree of temperature and every resurfacing run determines player performance and overall safety.

Swiss Life Arena is one of the most modern ice venues in Europe – and BCF Arena, after its renovation, meets equally strict standards. Dasherboards, ice refrigeration, dehumidification, lighting and player facilities – everything must perform at the highest level for 17 consecutive days and dozens of games.

Can Czech Republic Reach the Podium?

Czech Republic enters the tournament ranked sixth in the world after last year’s championship. The Czech team plays in Group B in Fribourg, facing Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Slovakia, Norway, Slovenia and Italy.

Following a silver medal at the U18 World Championship (where the Czech under-18s fell to Sweden in the final) and strong performances in recent seasons, Czech fans have every reason for optimism. Follow the tournament from May 15 – the first Czech match is at BCF Arena in Fribourg.

ICE Professional: Where World Hockey Is Played

As a company that has delivered ice facilities from a snow kingdom in Phuket to hockey arenas in Tashkent and Tbilisi, we follow world championships not just as fans – but as experts. We know what makes championship ice exceptional, and we bring that knowledge to every project we take on.

Planning an ice arena, a rink modernisation or a technology upgrade? Contact us – we’d be happy to discuss your project.