The Montreal Canadiens were not selected to host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, a disappointment for the franchise and its supporters. Instead, Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague will serve as the host cities for the tournament, which will feature eight countries competing over a span of 13 days.
Calgary will host a total of seven matches, including one elimination match, while Edmonton is set to stage the semifinals and the championship match. This decision comes after Montreal was one of 18 cities considered for the prestigious event.
France Margaret Bélanger, president of sports and entertainment for the Canadiens, expressed her disappointment, stating, “Je suis très déçue.” She further noted, “Nous avons donc activement participé au processus, mais voilà : ce sera pour une autre occasion.” This reflects the Canadiens’ commitment to securing a future opportunity to host such a significant tournament.
As of March 16, 2026, the Canadiens are performing well in the NHL, currently holding 82 points in the standings and boasting an 80.6% chance of making the playoffs. They are positioned in 3rd place in the Atlantic Division, indicating a strong season.
The NHL has announced a 17-day break in the regular season to accommodate the World Cup, highlighting the tournament’s importance in the hockey calendar. Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner, remarked that the league’s governors are excited about the prospect of alternating between the Olympic Games and the World Cup every two years.
Looking ahead, the Canadiens plan to submit a bid to host the World Cup of Hockey in 2032, aiming to bring the tournament to Montreal in the future. The team’s active participation in the bidding process underscores their desire to be at the forefront of international hockey events.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact nature of the Canadiens’ future bid and their strategy moving forward. However, the franchise’s commitment to hosting major events remains evident as they continue to build their legacy in the sport.
