World Championship 2028 Hockey: Paris and Lyon, 12-28 May

The World Championship 2028 comes to France, with games in Paris at the Accor Arena and in Lyon at the LDLC Arena from 12 to 28 May 2028. Teams, groups and ticket sales are not announced yet, but this guide explains what is confirmed and how to plan ahead.

World Championship 2028 in France: What Is Confirmed

France will host the men's ice hockey World Championship from 12 to 28 May 2028. Two cities share the tournament: Paris, at the Accor Arena, and Lyon, at the LDLC Arena. It is a major moment for French hockey, because the country rarely hosts an event on this scale and the public in both cities will see the world's top teams in the same week.

World Championship 2028 dates and cities

  • Dates: 12 to 28 May 2028.
  • Paris: Accor Arena, capacity around 15,000.
  • Lyon: LDLC Arena, capacity around 12,500.
  • Host: France.

Capacities are approximate and the hockey configuration may differ. Teams, groups, the daily schedule and ticket details have not been announced yet. We do not guess at them.

For fans in France the practical advantage is time: with more than two years to go, you can build a trip around the tournament, choose between Paris and Lyon, and watch the 2027 edition in Germany first to learn how this kind of event works. For visitors from further away, the same time is an opportunity to compare flights, accommodation and rail options before prices rise closer to May 2028.

Mondial 2028 Hockey Tickets: What to Expect

No sale dates have been announced. For tournaments of this size, the usual pattern is a staged sale: first packages or a presale for registered fans, then individual game tickets, and later final-day sales. Expect the highest demand for games involving France, the semi-finals and the final.

World Championship 2028 tickets for French fans

A home tournament changes the demand curve. French supporters will want to see their national team, and that fixture is likely to be the hardest to get. If you live in France you will have a head start on travel, but you should still register early and keep your payment details ready.

World Championship 2028 tickets for visitors from abroad

Visitors from other countries will need to plan flights, trains and hotels around the host cities. Because Paris attracts many events in May, hotel rooms may be more limited, which is a reason to look at flexible bookings early. Official sales are always the safest route, and our email alert will tell you when they begin.

Our advice is simple: sign up for the alert, decide your priorities, and avoid any seller who promises tickets before the official sale has been announced. Early listings on resale marketplaces for events that have not gone on sale are a warning sign.

World Championship 2028 Venues: Paris Accor Arena and Lyon LDLC Arena

The Accor Arena in Paris is one of the best-known indoor venues in France. It sits in Bercy, in the east of the city, and is well served by metro lines, buses and nearby stations. The LDLC Arena is in the Lyon area, on the eastern edge of the metropolis, and is accessible by tram and road.

Accor Arena Paris: World Championship 2028 matchdays

On matchdays, expect security checks and crowded transport near the arena before games. Build in time to arrive early and enjoy the surrounding area. Paris offers many hotels, restaurants and attractions within a short ride of the venue.

LDLC Arena Lyon: World Championship 2028 matchdays

Lyon is a food and culture city with strong train connections. The LDLC Arena is on the edge of the city, so allow extra time to get there and check the transport plan the organisers publish. Hotels in central Lyon are popular with fans who want evenings in the old town.

World Championship 2028 travel between Paris and Lyon

High-speed trains link Paris and Lyon in roughly two hours, so a trip that includes games in both cities is realistic. Book rail tickets early for peak days and keep your match tickets and transport tickets organised.

World Championship 2028 Dates, Format and Groups

The tournament runs from 12 to 28 May 2028. Groups, team allocation and the daily schedule have not been announced yet. Past tournaments have used two groups of eight teams, with knockout rounds after the group stage, but the exact format for 2028 is to be confirmed.

Which teams play the World Championship 2028?

The qualified teams and group draw will be announced later. The 2027 World Championship in Germany from 13 to 30 May 2027 will help set the picture, since results there decide which nations are promoted or relegated between divisions. We will update this page with confirmed teams and groups.

World Championship 2028 follows Germany 2027

If you follow the tournament closely, the 2027 edition in Düsseldorf and Mannheim is a useful way to experience the event first. Many fans plan consecutive trips in successive years, particularly to pick up a feel for travel and ticket systems.

Planning a Trip to the World Championship 2028

France is easy to reach from most of Europe by train, plane or car. Paris has major airports, and Lyon has its own airport and a large rail station. From North America, direct flights to Paris are frequent.

Best time to book for World Championship 2028

Since dates are known but ticket sales are not, a good approach is to plan in layers. First choose the city or cities you want to visit. Then watch the ticket and group announcements. Finally, book travel with flexible terms until the schedule is published.

World Championship 2028 dates: May weather and crowds

May is generally mild, with long evenings and tourism at a high. Expect crowds at major landmarks in Paris. Book restaurants for evenings after games if you are travelling in a group. Public transport passes can be useful for multi-day stays.

World Championship 2028 time zones for visitors

France is on Central European Time, so for North American visitors the difference is six to nine hours depending on region. Games in the evening may finish late at night. Plan your return journey around late finishes.

World Championship 2028 and the French Hockey Scene

France has a domestic league, the Ligue Magnus, with 12 clubs playing 44 games in 2026-27, and the reigning champion is the Boxers de Bordeaux. Hosting the World Championship is a chance to grow the sport by showing it to new audiences.

French hockey tickets before the World Championship 2028

If you want to prepare, attend a Ligue Magnus game in the 2026-27 season. The league's arenas are smaller than Paris or Lyon, and the atmosphere can be intense. Grenoble, Rouen and Gap are among the clubs with long histories. Check our league page for dates and tickets.

After the 2028 World Championship

Once the tournament ends, French hockey will aim to build on the momentum. For visitors, the event can be an introduction to a country with a fast-growing hockey culture and plenty to see away from the rink.

FAQ · World Championship 2028 Hockey: Paris and Lyon, 12-28 May

Where is the World Championship 2028 hockey tournament?

The men's World Championship 2028 is hosted by France. Games are planned in Paris at the Accor Arena and in Lyon at the LDLC Arena. The tournament runs from 12 to 28 May 2028. Exact fixtures and groups have not been announced yet.

When are World Championship 2028 tickets on sale?

Ticket sale dates for the World Championship 2028 are not announced yet. We expect a staged sale with packages or a presale before individual game tickets, but this is not confirmed. Our email alert will tell you the moment official sales are announced.

How big are the arenas for the World Championship 2028?

The Accor Arena in Paris has a capacity of about 15,000 and the LDLC Arena in Lyon about 12,500. These figures are approximate, and the ice-hockey configuration can differ. We will update the numbers when official information is available. Official information on the hockey layout is expected closer to the event.

Can I attend World Championship 2028 games in Paris and Lyon?

Yes, in principle. The two cities are connected by high-speed rail in roughly two hours, which makes a combined trip realistic. Wait until the schedule is published to see which days have games in which city before you book non-refundable travel. Rail tickets can be booked in advance, so do that early.

Which teams play in the World Championship 2028?

The teams and groups for the World Championship 2028 are not announced yet. France qualifies as host, and the rest of the field will follow the IIHF structure. We will publish confirmed teams on this page as soon as the information is official.

How can I prepare for World Championship 2028 tickets from abroad?

Sign up for our email alert, decide which city and part of the tournament you prefer, and keep travel bookings flexible. When official sales open, use the official box office and have your payment details ready. Resale marketplaces should be a last resort.