The anticipated NHL World Cup, set to take place in 2028 across Edmonton, Calgary, and Prague, raises questions about Finland's participation amid its strict stance on Russia's involvement. Notably, Czech sports journalist Robert Rampa reported that countries including Finland, the Czech Republic, and Sweden have communicated to the NHL that they will withdraw from the tournament if Russia remains a participant. This firm position stems from the prolonged conflict that Russia has waged against Ukraine for over four years, which these countries do not condone.

Although the NHL has yet to officially announce which nations will compete, discussions have indicated a potential lineup that includes Canada, the USA, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, and the Czech Republic, with one spot possibly being contested between Slovakia and Russia. The political implications of Russia's participation in international sporting events continue to be a contentious issue, especially for countries that have condemned its actions in Ukraine.

The last World Cup occurred in 2016, featuring eight teams, including players from Russia, which could now be viewed differently given the current geopolitical climate. As the world increasingly scrutinizes Russia’s global presence due to its military actions, the sports community is also being vocal about their positions, making the upcoming tournament a potential flashpoint for international relations in sports.