Ice Hockey World Championship 2027: Opening on Schalke against Switzerland

Remembrance of the 2010 world record

The world federation is also pleased with the choice of venue. „Mit dem Eröffnungsspiel der WM an diesem ikonischen Austragungsort knüpfen wir an dieses Eishockey-Erbe an", said the Secretary General of the IIHF, Matti Nurminen. The Arena on Schalke, which currently has a capacity of 61,574 spectators, is to provide the setting for a major sporting event that is intended to radiate far beyond regular league play.

With the opening game against Switzerland, the German team faces a demanding sporting task. The Swiss team finished second at the last World Championship and thus ranks among the extended world elite. For the squad led by national coach Harold Kreis, it will therefore not only be about a ceremonial opening, but also about sending an early signal to the competition in the battle for medals.

Switzerland as the first opponent

The preliminary round of the 2027 World Championship will be played in two groups in Mannheim and Düsseldorf. In addition to the opening venue Gelsenkirchen and the two preliminary round cities, further venues are planned for the knockout stage. The format follows the usual IIHF tournament structure, in which the top eight after the preliminary round advance to the finals.

For the DEB, the tournament on home soil is the second home World Championship after 2010. Back then, the German team had caused one of the biggest surprises in recent tournament history by beating the USA and later reaching the semifinals. The intention is to build on this success in 2027 – not only in sporting terms, but also with regard to the enthusiasm of the fans, which could reach its peak in Schalke.

Further venues in Mannheim and Düsseldorf

The organizers expect that the opening game will further boost interest in ice hockey in Germany. The Deutsche Eishockey Liga is already recording rising attendance figures, and the national team enjoys increased attention following its successes in recent years. However, an attempt to break the world record as in 2010 is not possible given the arena's current capacity.

Until the opening game on May 8, 2027, those responsible have just under a year to transform the arena into an ice hockey venue. Cooling systems, ice surface and boards must be installed, and logistical processes for tens of thousands of spectators coordinated. The experience from 2010, when the transformation of the football arena into an ice hockey hall succeeded, should benefit the organizers.