The stakes are high as the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division I, Group B gets underway in Shenzhen, China.
With only one promotion spot up for grabs, six teams will face off in a single round-robin format at the Shenzhen Universiade Center from 29 April-5 May.
All games will be streamed on IIHF.tv.
Here’s a closer look at the competitors.
Spain
Under coach Luciano Basile, Spain has built a competitive team through steady long-term development, maximizing limited resources while playing an entertaining brand of hockey. Jaime Capillas, who scored the crucial overtime winner that kept Spain in the division last year, remains a key offensive figure for the team, while Gaston Gonzalez and Oriol Rubio continue to provide reliable scoring. When Spain’s men’s program celebrated a remarkable triple gold at the 2018 World Championship (U18, U20, and senior levels), Raul Barbo logged minutes between the pipes for all three teams. Now 26, the CG Puigcerda goaltender can look back on a strong domestic season and will need to be at the top of his game in Shenzhen if Spain hopes to improve on last year’s fifth-place finish.
China
The 19-year wait is finally over. China last hosted the World Championship Division I Group in 2007 in Qiqihar, finishing without a point. Now, under experienced head coach Perry Pearn, the team is firmly on the rise. Back for a fourth straight Division I, Group B tournament, China brings the youngest roster (23.6 average age) and the advantage of home ice in Shenzhen. After last year’s fourth-place finish, the goal is a medal. Captain Zesen Zhang anchors the group, while 18-year-old NHL draft pick Haoxi (Simon) Wang adds presence on the blue line. In net, Shifeng (Stephen) Chen is once again expected to deliver, having been China’s top performer in Tallinn last year.
Korea
Korea finished a disappointing second in Tallinn last year and returns determined to finish the job and earn promotion back to Division I Group A, where they most recently played in 2024. Top Forward and leading scorer in Division I Group B last year, 38-year-old Sangwook Kim once again spearheads Korea’s attack. Jin Hui Ahn, Sanghoon Shin, and defenceman Heedoo Nam are also key figures, forming part of a strong core of 15 players from domestic powerhouse HL Anyang. Under coach Woojae Kim, Korea heads into a final day clash in Shenzhen against Romania, seeking revenge for a narrow 3–2 loss in Bolzano in May 2024 that set them on the path to relegation to Division IB.
Estonia
Bronze medalists on home ice in 2025, Estonia returns with a roster that blends experience and emerging talent. The absence of their talismanic on-ice leader Robert Rooba is a significant blow, but goals should still be easy to come by for Petri Skriko´s coached team. Kristjan Kombe and David Timofejev form a lethal duo for the Estonians, while the skilful Maksim Burkov is another player to watch. On the blueline, 24-year-old Dilan Savenkov makes a much-anticipated debut while Conrad Molder is Estonia´s undisputed first choice netminder. 38-year-old Aleksandr Ossipov is the only player in the tournament who featured the last time China hosted the Division I event in 2007.
Netherlands
Newly promoted from Division II, Group A, the Netherlands arrive in China aiming to establish themselves at a higher level. Under coach Doug Mason, the well-structured Dutch team may be without some of its brightest stars in Shenzhen, but is ably led in attack by veteran captain Danny Stemper, while 18-year-old prospect Jaidy van Mourik is one to watch. In goal, Cedric Andree was outstanding last year, while blueliner Bjorn Borgman was last season’s Top Defender in Division II, Group A.
Romania
Back in Division I, Group B for the first time since 2019, Romania turned to Finnish head coach Markus Juurikkala to strengthen their push for promotion. The Romanian offence will be led by Balazs Peter and Tamas Reszegh, while Hunor Csaszar and Tamas Kanya are exciting debutants aiming to add firepower to a team that has long struggled to score consistently. Defensively, last season´s crop of blueliners has been given another chance and is supported by steady goaltending from Attila Adorjan as Romania aims for an immediate return to the higher tier.