Ice Hockey: 2026 Winter Olympics Live

Ice hockey promises to electrify fans at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Follow every pass, shot, and save live and feel the thrill of each game!

You know that feeling of holding your breath when the puck flies toward the goal in the final seconds of a decisive match? In 2026, the ice hockey tournament at the Winter Olympics promises to multiply that excitement to epic levels.

The main reason is the long-awaited return of NHL (National Hockey League) stars, making the battle for gold in Milan and Cortina unmissable.

Prepare your schedule and your heart: the battle for the podium on ice in Italy will be one of the event’s biggest attractions.

👉 This article is for informational purposes only. It does not contain live broadcasts. Here, we show the best platforms and how to access them to watch ice hockey safely.

Streaming and Apps to Catch Every Play

With games happening in Europe, following the broadcast anywhere in the world may require attention to time zones. The best strategy is to have the right streaming apps at hand. They are your digital passport to ice hockey.

Olympic Games™ App (Worldwide)

This is the official Games app. Essential to set up your personalized schedule, receive game alerts, and follow athlete information minute by minute.

RAI Play (Italy)

For those in Italy, RAI is the official broadcaster. The app gives access to RAI 1 and RAI 2 for live broadcasts and highlights, often with local coverage since Italy is the host country. Perfect for exclusive interviews and local insight.

Peacock (USA)

If you are in the United States, Peacock is the main destination for NBC coverage in the USA, the rights holder. The service provides full coverage of all Olympic events, including ice hockey, with detailed analysis and potentially exclusive NHL on-demand content.

BBC iPlayer (UK)

Viewers in the UK can rely on BBC’s tradition to follow the event. iPlayer allows watching live and on-demand programs. Coverage is usually high quality, emphasizing storytelling and major moments.

CBC Gem (Canada)

For Canadian fans, CBC Gem is the public broadcaster’s platform. Considering that Canada is the strongest nation in ice hockey, this app offers passionate coverage focused on Canadian teams and stars with insights from former players and expert commentators.

Globoplay (Brazil)

In Brazil, TV Globo and SporTV hold broadcasting rights. Globoplay is the main streaming platform for live and on-demand content in Portuguese, giving subscribers access to all SporTV channels and extra feeds.

9Now (Australia)

Australians can watch through 9Now from Channel 9. Like other open TV services with Olympic rights, it allows free live broadcasts (with ads) or on-demand viewing.

Ice Hockey 2026: Keep an Eye on the Schedule

The men’s and women’s ice hockey tournaments in Milan-Cortina 2026 will take place from February 11 to 22, but note: the women’s tournament will start a little earlier, on February 5. If you’re a winter sports fan, you know this is the pinnacle of the competition.

Games will be held in two arenas in Milan: the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, hosting the grand final, and the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. There will be a total of 12 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams vying for glory.

Check out some of the main dates and mark your calendar:

Women’s Ice Hockey:

Date	Match
05/02	USA vs Czechia
06/02	France vs Japan
07/02	USA vs Finland
07/02	Switzerland vs Canada
09/02	Switzerland vs USA
10/02	Canada vs USA
13-14/02	Quarterfinals
16/02	Semifinals
19/02	Bronze & Gold

Men’s Ice Hockey:

Date	Match
11/02	Sweden vs Italy
12/02	Czechia vs Canada
12/02	Latvia vs USA
14/02	USA vs Denmark
15/02	Canada vs France
18/02	Quarterfinals
20/02	Semifinals
21/02	Bronze
22/02	Gold

Every Goal on Screen: Where to Watch

Ice hockey is a global sport, and TV coverage reflects that. Wherever you are, there’s a partner broadcaster ready to bring the puck action to you.

• China: CMG (China Media Group) and TDM (Macau Broadcasting)
• France: France Télévisions and Eurosport
• Germany: ARD and ZDF
• Spain: RTVE (Radiotelevisión Española)
• Japan: Japan Consortium
• South Korea: KBS / MBC / SBS
• India: DD Sports / Sony Pictures Networks India
• Indonesia: MNC Sports / TVRI

Confirmed Teams

Men’s tournament groups are set, promising thrilling matchups from the start. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed 12 men’s spots and 10 women’s spots, and the return of NHL players ensures full-strength teams.

Men’s tournament groups:

• Group A: Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy.
• Group B: Finland, Germany, Czechia, Denmark.
• Group C: USA, Slovakia, Latvia, France.

Note: Russia will not officially compete in the 2026 Winter Games due to IOC sanctions, but athletes may participate under a neutral flag without national symbols.

Women’s tournament groups:

• Group A: Canada, USA, Finland, Czechia, Switzerland.
• Group B: Japan, Sweden, Germany, Italy, France.

Betting on Champions: Gold Favorites

For a safe bet, look at the “Big Six” ice hockey nations. With NHL presence confirmed, historic rivalries will return.

Men’s:

Canada, an undeniable powerhouse, is always the favorite, especially with players like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid back. USA, full of talent, and Finland, reigning IIHF world champion and one of Europe’s most tactical teams, complete the top three. Sweden and Czechia also remain strong contenders in a short-tournament format.

Women’s:

Historically, the competition is a duel of North American giants. Canada, the current Olympic champion, and USA dominate, with bronze being more open, contested by Finland and Switzerland.

Training and Strategies Towards the Olympics

The main strategic change for 2026 is the short time frame NHL stars will have to integrate into their national teams. Imagine taking a player from a grueling NHL season and throwing them into a European arena to build chemistry in just days!

Success will depend on the speed coaches can form cohesive lines and simple but effective tactical systems. Team cohesion and adaptability will sometimes outweigh individual talent.

Training focused on fast transitions and power plays will be a priority due to limited time. Teams with strong foundations (like Finland and Sweden) may have a slight early advantage.

Tips for Attending Live

If you’re lucky enough to get tickets to watch ice hockey live, prepare for an unforgettable experience!

• Arena locations: Games are in Milan, with easy access to transport and accommodation. PalaItalia Santa Giulia and Milano Rho are modern arenas with vibrant atmospheres. Always check the best route using Milan’s efficient public transport.
• Weather: Even indoors, Milan in February is cold. Dress in layers!
• Olympic culture: Beyond hockey, enjoy Milan! The city will be in Olympic mode. Visit the Live Site (Duomo Square) to feel the Games’ energy, watch medal celebrations, and meet fans from around the world.
• Buy tickets early: Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports and finals sell out quickly, don’t wait until the last minute.

Now it’s your turn! Don’t miss witnessing history on the ice in Milan. The energy of ice hockey with the world’s best is back, and the excitement is guaranteed!