The 2027 ISBHF Men’s & Women’s World Championships to Be Held in Slovakia

The decision to move the World Championships back to odd-numbered years (2027, 2029, …) is based, among other reasons, on the effort to avoid clashes with major global sporting events that traditionally take place in even-numbered years, such as the Olympic Games or major football championships. Historically, most ISBHF Men’s & Women’s World Championships have been held in odd-numbered years.

For ball hockey fans, this creates an exceptionally attractive period. In 2026, the world’s best players will compete at the World Championships in Ostrava, followed just one year later by another World Championship in Slovakia. Two top-level tournaments in consecutive years promise a unique spectacle and increased global attention for the sport.

Slovakia will take on the role of host nation for the fifth time in history. The World Championships were previously held there in 1996 (Bratislava), 1999 (Zvolen), 2011 (Bratislava) and 2019 (Košice). The home environment has proven successful for Slovakia – the men’s national team won world titles in 1999 and 2019, while the women’s team captured their first-ever world title in 2011.

“We are very proud that the ISBHF member nations have placed their trust in us to host this tournament. In recent years, we have successfully hosted several Junior World Championships, and we see this as a natural next step in organizing major international ball hockey events. We look forward to welcoming all participating national teams to Slovakia,” said Miroslav Dragun, President of the Slovak Ball Hockey Union.

The Slovak Ball Hockey Union is now working closely with the ISBHF to select the host city and specific venues. The official tournament dates and host venues will be announced once finalized later in 2026.

Czech fans are looking forward to next ball hockey championships. Photo Credit ISBHF.