The NHL announced the host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, which will take place in Edmonton, Calgary, and Prague, leading to immediate speculation about the tournament structure, as eight teams are expected to participate in two groups. While the NHL is not bound by the International Ice Hockey Federation's (IIHF) exclusion of Russia due to the country's ongoing military actions in Ukraine, concerns about Russia's potential participation in the tournament have arisen.

The inclusion of Russia could trigger a significant response from other nations, particularly from Europe, with Czech sports journalist Robert Rampa indicating that the Czech Republic, Finland, and Sweden have expressed intentions to withdraw from the tournament should Russia be allowed to compete. This emerging situation highlights the political complexities interwoven with international sporting events, emphasizing the far-reaching implications of geopolitical tensions on sports.

As international relations continue to evolve, the NHL faces pressure to consider the broader impacts of its decision-making, not only on the tournament's integrity but also on its global reputation and the relationships with participating nations. The situation underscores the critical intersection of sports and politics, where athletes representing their countries could become pawns in international disputes.