For the first time since 2006, both German ice hockey teams will participate in the Olympic tournament at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The NHL will halt operations for the duration of the Games, allowing the men's team to field all professional players from the North American elite league. This provides Germany with a significant opportunity to compete on an international stage, given the talent at their disposal. The current Olympic champions are Finland for the men's and Canada for the women's category, highlighting the competitive atmosphere Germany will face.

The schedule for the men's ice hockey team involves three games in the group stage. The teams that finish first in each group, alongside the best second-place team out of three groups, will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals. The remaining eight teams will compete for the final spots through qualification matches. Germany's matches will include a notable face-off against Denmark, Latvia, and the United States, set for February 12, 14, and 15, respectively. These games will be pivotal in determining their progression in the tournament.

In the knockout phase, which takes place on February 17, teams will compete for a place in the quarter-finals. The draw is crucial as it will determine the matchups and can heavily influence Germany's chances depending on their performance during the group stage. With the acknowledgment of their historic participation, expectations will be high for the German teams, especially given the talent and experience of their rosters, and they will aim to make a strong statement on the world stage.