As the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship prepares for its final day of competition, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the Organizing Committee of Switzerland are proud to reflect on what has been an extraordinary celebration of ice hockey.
Co-hosted by the cities of Zurich and Fribourg, the Ice Hockey World Championship has brought together the world's best players, passionate fans, dedicated volunteers, partners, media representatives, and ice hockey stakeholders from across the globe.
"The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship has once again demonstrated the power of our sport to unite people and inspire communities," said IIHF President Luc Tardif. "Beyond the outstanding competition on the ice, this event has showcased the strength of the global hockey family and the lasting legacy that international hockey can create for future generations. The enthusiasm, passion, and unity we have witnessed throughout this tournament will continue to inspire young players, volunteers, and fans long after the final game."
The IIHF and the Swiss Organizing Committee extended their sincere appreciation to the Host Cities, local authorities, and the many important stakeholders involved, whose collaboration helped make the 2026 IIHF WM possible.
A special thank you was also given to the championship's 1,950 volunteers – 1,150 in Zurich and 800 in Fribourg – who collectively contributed more than 203,000 hours of service throughout the tournament.
"The success of this tournament belongs to many people," said Christian Hofstetter, General Secretary of the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Organizing Committee. "From our volunteers and staff to our partners, Host Cities, and the entire ice hockey community, this event has been a true team effort. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved together."
The impact of the 2026 IIHF WM extended far beyond the rink, attracting 466,278 spectators across Zurich and Fribourg and welcoming approximately 250,000 visitors to the Official Fan Zones.
The 2026 IIHF WM has also served as an important platform for the continued growth of ice hockey in Switzerland and around the world. Investments in infrastructure, volunteer development, community engagement, and youth participation will leave a lasting legacy for the sport.
"The Ice Hockey World Championship is about much more than determining a champion," added Tardif. "It is about inspiring the next generation, creating opportunities for young people to discover ice hockey, and strengthening our sport globally. The enthusiasm we have seen throughout Switzerland over the past weeks gives us great confidence in the future of ice hockey."
With the bronze medal game and gold medal game still to come, the IIHF and Organizing Committee look forward to concluding what has already become one of the most memorable tournament in recent history.
The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship has been a celebration of elite sport, international friendship, and the enduring passion for ice hockey.
Co-hosted by the cities of Zurich and Fribourg, the Ice Hockey World Championship has brought together the world's best players, passionate fans, dedicated volunteers, partners, media representatives, and ice hockey stakeholders from across the globe.
"The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship has once again demonstrated the power of our sport to unite people and inspire communities," said IIHF President Luc Tardif. "Beyond the outstanding competition on the ice, this event has showcased the strength of the global hockey family and the lasting legacy that international hockey can create for future generations. The enthusiasm, passion, and unity we have witnessed throughout this tournament will continue to inspire young players, volunteers, and fans long after the final game."
The IIHF and the Swiss Organizing Committee extended their sincere appreciation to the Host Cities, local authorities, and the many important stakeholders involved, whose collaboration helped make the 2026 IIHF WM possible.
A special thank you was also given to the championship's 1,950 volunteers – 1,150 in Zurich and 800 in Fribourg – who collectively contributed more than 203,000 hours of service throughout the tournament.
"The success of this tournament belongs to many people," said Christian Hofstetter, General Secretary of the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Organizing Committee. "From our volunteers and staff to our partners, Host Cities, and the entire ice hockey community, this event has been a true team effort. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved together."
The impact of the 2026 IIHF WM extended far beyond the rink, attracting 466,278 spectators across Zurich and Fribourg and welcoming approximately 250,000 visitors to the Official Fan Zones.
The 2026 IIHF WM has also served as an important platform for the continued growth of ice hockey in Switzerland and around the world. Investments in infrastructure, volunteer development, community engagement, and youth participation will leave a lasting legacy for the sport.
"The Ice Hockey World Championship is about much more than determining a champion," added Tardif. "It is about inspiring the next generation, creating opportunities for young people to discover ice hockey, and strengthening our sport globally. The enthusiasm we have seen throughout Switzerland over the past weeks gives us great confidence in the future of ice hockey."
With the bronze medal game and gold medal game still to come, the IIHF and Organizing Committee look forward to concluding what has already become one of the most memorable tournament in recent history.
The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship has been a celebration of elite sport, international friendship, and the enduring passion for ice hockey.