Are you too far down in the global leaderboard of IIHF Fantasy? Did you miss the group stage? No problem! The IIHF Fantasy Playoff League gives everyone a brand-new chance to win big — and it starts on Thursday!
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The knockout stage of the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is here, and with it comes an exciting new opportunity for Fantasy fans. While the Global League still goes on and waits to crown the winners after the Gold Medal Game concludes, the Playoff League is a completely fresh competition which comes on top. Only points scored during the playoff round — Quarterfinals, Semifinals, the Bronze Medal Game, and the Gold Medal Game — count towards your total. Whatever happened in the group stage stays in the group stage. Any user who creates a team during playoffs will automatically be included in the Playoff League.
What’s at Stake
One lucky winner of the Playoff League will receive a cash prize of 500 CHF and Two (2) tickets to the Gold Medal Game of the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.
That’s a chance to be in the building for the biggest moment in international hockey — next year’s crowning of the world champion. Two incredible rewards for the best fantasy mind in the playoffs.
Why the Playoff League Changes Everything
In the group stage, every game matters but the field is wide open. In the playoffs, eight teams remain — and every single shift counts. Stars rise, upsets happen, and a goaltender can steal a series overnight.
That makes playoff fantasy uniquely thrilling. A single inspired performance from the right forward, a goalie standing on his head, or a defenseman racking up points on a power play can swing an entire leaderboard. Pick wisely, and a few brilliant days of hockey could be enough to take the title.
For those who are just joining now, this is your moment. For those who have been playing all tournament long, consider this a reset — a final sprint where experience and instinct can make all the difference.
How to Join
Simply head to the IIHF Fantasy at IIHF.com or in the IIHF app, create or log into your account, and build your playoff team. Any user who creates a team for the playoff stage will automatically be included in the Playoff League.
Whether you have been playing since the beginning of the tournament or are joining for the first time, everyone starts the Playoff League from zero. Only points earned during the playoff stage count toward the standings.
Build your team from the players still competing in the tournament, set your lineup and let the action on ice do the rest. Don’t wait — team build locks every day at the first puck drop.
The Road Ahead
Eight nations. Four Quarterfinals. Two Semifinals. One Bronze medal game and One champion. The road to gold is short, sharp, and unforgiving — exactly the way playoffs should be.
Pick your players. Back your team. May the best fantasy manager win. Read this article with more information about IIHF Fantasy.
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