World Hockey Championship Begins in Switzerland; Latvia Opens Play Saturday
The International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship commenced on Friday, May 15, 2026, in Switzerland, marking the climax of the hockey season. Sixteen national teams are competing in the elite division, with group stage matches hosted in Zurich and Fribourg. The Latvian national team, currently ranked 10th by the IIHF, enters the tournament under head coach Harijs Vītoliņš with a revamped roster. Their primary objective is to surpass their current ranking and secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Latvia is scheduled to play its opening group game on Saturday, May 16, against the host nation and previous year’s finalist, Switzerland. Subsequent opponents include Germany, Austria, Finland, the United States, Great Britain, and Hungary. The group stage will conclude on May 26, followed by knockout rounds, with the final set for May 31 in Zurich. All games are being broadcast live on LSM.lv, REplay.lv, and LTV7, providing comprehensive coverage for fans. The tournament structure ensures that Zurich hosts the semifinals and the final, while both host cities manage quarterfinal fixtures.
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