International Best-on-Best Hockey Returns, Setting the Stage for the 2026 Olympics and 2028 World Cup of Hockey 

Boston, MA – For the first time since 2016, international best-on-best hockey has returned with the highly anticipated Four Nations Face-Off tournament. Taking the place of the traditional All-Star break, the tournament not only brings together the world’s top hockey talent but also serves as a preview of the 2026 Winter Olympics and the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. 

“From being young kids and young hockey players with the hope and a dream to be an NHL to now being at this stage, there’s a lot of pride that comes with that and a lot of support,” said Canada forward Brad Marchand. 

Finland players participating in the first morning skate at TD Garden ahead of their game against Canada
Finland players participating in the first morning skate at TD Garden ahead of their game against Canada. PHOTO CREDITS: Geraldine Paglia

As the tournament shifted to Boston on Monday for the final stretch, Canada edged out Finland in a hard-fought 4-2 victory, with Sidney Crosby sealing the win with an empty-net goal. USA vs. Sweden followed, where Sweden pulled off a 2-1 upset. Thursday’s championship game, Canada vs. USA, had all the makings of a classic.  

“It’s a Game 7, right?” said U.S. center Jack Eichel. “It’s for everything. You’re going to see desperate hockey. You’re going to see everything you saw in the first game and more, I imagine. It’ll be great.” 

TD Garden set for the Championship Game: Canada vs. USA PHOTO CREDITS: Geraldine Paglia

The championship became the second most-watched hockey broadcast ever on Sportsnet, averaging 5.7 million viewers. The atmosphere was electric.

“We’re here to celebrate a game. If after this game, all the little girls and boys out there are inspired by these players—if they go and become hockey players—that’s the real win,” said John Cooper ahead of the championship game.

The Four Nations Face-Off did more than crown a champion, it reignited the global passion for best-on-best international hockey. U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan reflected on the magnitude of the tournament. 

TD Garden packed during the Championship game with fans on their feet as USA Scores. PHOTO CREDITS: Geraldine Paglia

“It’s so awesome from my standpoint. You know, I feel like I got the best seat in the house being behind the bench. Watching what these guys do on the ice, at the pace they’re able to do it—sometimes we just marvel at what goes on out there,” said Sullivan

With the 2026 Olympics and the 2028 World Cup of Hockey on the horizon, fans can expect more international-level competition, redefining the future of the sport on the world stage.