Ukraine at the 2027 IIHF World Championship
Following their promotion to the top tier after the 2026 Division IA World Championship, Ukraine's national ice hockey team now knows who they will face at the 2027 IIHF World Championship. The group assignments were determined using the updated rankings from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
The Ukrainian squad has been placed in Group A for the 2027 tournament, where their opponents will be:
- Switzerland
- Finland
- Sweden
- Slovakia
- Latvia
- Austria
- Slovenia
Germany will host the global championship. Kazakhstan also earned the right to compete among the world's elite, while Great Britain and Italy were relegated from the top division.
For Ukraine to secure their return to the elite division, a specific result was needed in the final Division IA game: Lithuania had to avoid losing to Poland in regulation time. The match between Lithuania and Poland ended 1-1 in regulation, with Lithuania winning 2-1 in overtime. This outcome allowed the Ukrainian team to clinch promotion.
Triumph in the 2026 Division IA World Championship
Ukraine's national ice hockey team won their final game in the 2026 Division IA World Championship against Japan. Ukraine finished second in the Division IA standings with 10 points, trailing only Kazakhstan, who topped the table with 13 points.
The final standings for the 2026 Division IA World Championship are as follows:
- Kazakhstan - 13 points
- Ukraine - 10 points
- France - 8 points
- Poland - 8 points
- Lithuania - 4 points
- Japan - 2 points
As a result, Ukraine's hockey team will once again compete on the global stage against the world's strongest teams.
This promotion to the elite division highlights the team's significant progress on the international scene, which could boost hockey development in the country. Competing in the 2027 World Championship will give Ukrainian players invaluable experience, allowing them to test themselves against top hockey nations and elevate their game. This achievement may also spark greater interest in hockey across Ukraine and attract new fans to the sport.
As Ukraine prepares to face formidable opponents in the upcoming championship, the team's strategic focus on building a diverse talent pool becomes increasingly crucial. This initiative is highlighted by their efforts to develop a North American talent base that could enhance their competitiveness on the world stage.