It’s a blow that many hockey fans in Russia were hoping to avoid, but the news is now official — Russia’s national ice hockey team won’t be hitting the ice at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
The decision, confirmed by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), continues a streak of exclusion that has kept Russian players off the world stage since 2022.
France Gets the Nod as Russia Remains in Limbo
Instead of Russia, Team France will lace up their skates and take part in the Games.
The call was made during the IIHF congress held in Stockholm, where officials decided to keep the suspension in place.
As of now, the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) says the door isn’t fully closed.
In a brief statement, the federation mentioned that additional talks are planned with the IIHF and the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) this summer — but there’s no guarantee things will change.
Ongoing Fallout Since 2022
Russian and Belarusian national teams have been sidelined from international competition for several years now.
Since 2022, the IIHF has enforced suspensions in response to the geopolitical situation, and there’s been no sign yet of a reversal.
That means no appearances in World Championships, no Olympic participation, and no chance to compete at the highest level for those athletes wearing the Russian or Belarusian jerseys.
Historic Stakes and Lost Traditions
To grasp the full weight of this decision, it helps to understand what’s at stake.
Ice hockey is more than just a game in Russia — it’s part of the national identity.
The country has a rich legacy in the sport, and the Olympics have long been a stage where Russian players shined.
The Ice Hockey World Championships, often seen as a benchmark for Olympic readiness, have been a consistent fixture since 1920.
Until 1968, the Olympic tournament even doubled as the official World Championship.
The Official Word Remains Vague
Despite the disappointment, the RIHF is keeping things open-ended — at least publicly.
In their statement, they simply noted that “a final decision will be made later” following further discussions.
But for many fans and athletes, the writing feels like it’s already on the wall.
What’s Next for Russian Hockey?
For now, Russian hockey’s international future remains uncertain.
Even as talks are planned, there’s no official pathway back to Olympic eligibility unless the IIHF changes course.
In the meantime, fans in France are celebrating their unexpected entry into the tournament — a silver lining for one nation, and a sore spot for another.