IIHF confirm Russia will not participate in 2027 World Juniors

We finally have a verdict on Russia’s participation in the 2027 World Junior Championship, as the International Ice Hockey Federation announced on Sunday that the country will not be allowed to play in the tournament.

The IIHF cited the restrictions communicated by the Canadian government as the reason for the Russians inability to participate in the tournament. The Canadian government announced last week that the visas of Russian players and staff members will be barred from the country, which would prevent them from participation. With the World Juniors being held in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, the Canadian government does have a say in the matter.

The IIHF said the following in a statement regarding the announcement:

The IIHF confirms that due to the position and restrictions formally communicated by the Canadian Government, the Russian U20 national team is unable to participate in the World Junior Championship.

After carefully assessing the feasibility of alternative arrangements, the IIHF Council has determined that Canada will remain as host and the tournament will proceed from 26 December 2026 to 5 January 2027 in Edmonton and Red Deer.

All participating MNAs have been informed and an updated competition schedule will be posted shortly for both the World Junior Championship and World Championship U20 1A.

With Russia not participating in the tournament now official, it is also expected to be announced that Norway will be playing in their place again. Norway was originally set to play in the tournament after winning promotion from the Division I tournament, but were then announced to not be in the World Juniors in place of Russia.

Ice Hockey Federation of Russia president and former goaltender Vladislav Tretiak mentioned last week that in the event Russia is barred from the 2027 World Juniors, and the 2027 World Championship in Germany this coming spring, the federation will seek compensation.