Ukraine's Hockey Team Breaks Into World Top 20 for the First Time in 13 Years

Men's National Hockey Team Achieves Major Milestone

According to Главком: Ukraine's men's national hockey team has climbed to 19th place in the IIHF World Ranking after earning promotion back to the elite division at the 2026 World Championship Division IA. This marks the country's first appearance in the top 20 since 2012, signaling a strong rebound after years of struggle. The ranking reflects the team's steady resurgence and growing competitiveness on the international stage.

In recent years, Ukraine's ranking has shown notable improvement. The team hit a low point in 2022, sitting at 28th place, the worst position in its history. By 2023, they moved up to 27th, and after advancing to Division IA in 2024, they held steady at 27th. Throughout 2025, performance gains pushed them to 22nd, and in 2026, they rose further to 19th place.

World Ranking and Future Outlook

Ukraine currently holds 3,995 ranking points. Switzerland leads the world rankings with 5,335 points, followed by the United States and Canada tied for second and third with 5,305 points. Finland occupies fourth place with 5,240 points, while Sweden, Czechia, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, and Denmark round out the top 10.

In 2027, Ukraine will return to the elite division, competing in Group A at the World Championship in Germany, scheduled for May 14–30. This marks the team's return to the top-tier tournament after a 20-year absence. Ukraine's group opponents include Germany, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, Latvia, Austria, and Slovenia. Finland are the reigning world champions, Switzerland were silver medalists at the 2026 World Championship, Sweden boast 11 world titles, and Latvia earned bronze at the 2023 World Championship.

The Ukrainian team is led by head coach Dmytro Khrystych, who, alongside the squad, aims for strong performances ahead. With new opportunities and support in the elite division, Ukraine's hockey players have a chance to showcase their potential on the global stage.

Ukraine's rise to 19th place in the IIHF World Ranking highlights the team's gradual progress in hockey, marking a significant step forward after many challenging years. Returning to the elite division allows Ukrainian players to compete at the highest level, which could greatly boost the sport's development in the country. Participation in the 2027 World Championship opens new horizons not only for the team but also for promoting hockey across Ukraine.

As Ukraine's men’s national hockey team prepares for its return to the elite division, it faces a challenging lineup of opponents. To learn more about the teams they will compete against and the significance of this momentous occasion, check out how the Ukrainian squad is gearing up for this elite competition after a two-decade absence in their upcoming matches.