Ukraine Returns to the Top Tier of International Hockey
Ukraine’s national hockey team has secured its place in the highest division of the World Championship. This achievement came after Lithuania avoided a regulation-time loss to Poland, finishing 1–1, and then claimed a 2–1 overtime victory. As a result, Ukraine locked in second place in the 2026 World Championship Division IA standings with 10 points.
The Ukrainian squad wrapped up its Division IA campaign with a win over Japan in the final game. Following the Lithuania–Poland match, Lithuanian players went to the locker room area, where members of the Ukrainian team were waiting for them—a gesture highlighting the camaraderie and mutual support between the two teams.
2026 World Championship Division IA Standings
The final standings for the 2026 World Championship Division IA are as follows:
- 1. Kazakhstan – 13 points
- 2. Ukraine – 10 points
- 3. France – 8 points
- 4. Poland – 8 points
- 5. Lithuania – 4 points
- 6. Japan – 2 points
Returning to the elite division marks a milestone for Ukrainian sports, signaling a resurgence in the country’s hockey program.
This success reflects the growing strength of Ukrainian hockey and its potential on the international stage.
Promotion to the top division opens up new opportunities for the development of hockey in Ukraine, while also boosting interest among younger generations. Cooperation with teams from other nations—such as the supportive interaction seen with Lithuania—could further drive the national team’s progress in future tournaments.
As Ukraine's national hockey team celebrates its promotion, it's worth noting the pivotal victory over Japan that secured their second-place finish in Division IA. This win not only highlights the team's resilience but also sets the stage for further achievements. To explore more about how this victory contributed to Ukraine's rise in the standings, check out our detailed coverage of the team's recent performance against Japan.