The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has barred Russia’s national teams from participating in the World Championships during the 2026–2027 season.
According to the Federation’s website, the IIHF Council has concluded that Russia will not be permitted to take part in the championships during the 2026–2027 season due to ongoing risks to safety and sporting integrity. This applies to the 2027 IIHF Men’s and Junior World Championships, whilst Russia’s eligibility to participate in the 2027 IIHF Women’s World Championship will be considered separately in November 2026.
The IIHF Council has also decided that, due to ongoing security concerns, Belarus will not be permitted to take part in the 2027 Men’s and Junior World Championships during the 2026–2027 season.
The Russian and Belarusian national teams were suspended from international tournaments following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
On 7 July, the International Olympic Committee temporarily reinstated the membership of the Russian Olympic Committee and lifted the recommended restrictions on Russian athletes and teams, including the requirement to compete under a neutral flag.
Following this, some sporting organisations began lifting their restrictions on Russian athletes. Other sporting federations are maintaining them for the time being. Many European countries oppose the participation of Russian athletes due to the invasion of Ukraine. Some other countries, however, do not rule out the return of Russian athletes.