What is the IIHF World Ranking?
The IIHF World Ranking is the official ranking of the world's national hockey teams — men's and women's, across the federation's 80+ member associations, published at iihf.com after each championship cycle.[1]
How does it work?
Points accrue from the last four IIHF World Championships and the Olympic tournament, weighted toward the most recent results — so the ranking reflects a rolling four-year record of every nation.[1] [2]
Why does it matter?
It seeds the World Championship groups and Olympic qualification, and stands as the official, dated record of every nation's standing — international hockey's objective ladder.[1] [2]
References
- IIHF — World Ranking. Accessed August 2026.
- IIHF — official site. Accessed August 2026.