Six nations set for Jessheim showdown on the road to Milano-Cortina 2026

The stage is set. Six teams will battle for their Paralympic dreams at the 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Paralympic Winter Games Qualification Tournament, hosted in Jessheim, Norway, from 5-10 November.

This crucial event will decide which nations secure the final two slots at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

The Teams

Three nations arrive from the Buffalo 2025 World Championships A-Pool:
•    Slovakia (6th place)
•    Korea (7th place)
•    Norway (8th place)

They will be joined by three teams from the Astana 2025 World Championships B-Pool:
•    Japan (2nd place)
•    Sweden (3rd place)
•    Kazakhstan (4th place)

The lineup is completed by Kazakhstan, who step in after Italy, already guaranteed a place in Milan as host nation, declined their option to participate at the qualification tournament. Italy has been allocated 8th place for the Paralympic Games, with Kazakhstan taking their place in Jessheim as the next eligible B-Pool team.

A Fierce Battle Ahead

The Qualification Tournament is traditionally one of the most intense and dramatic competitions on the WPIH calendar. With the last two Paralympic slots available, every game carries enormous stakes.

“The Qualification Tournament is always one of the most exciting milestones on the road to the Paralympic Winter Games,” said Michelle Laflamme, World Para Ice Hockey Senior Manager. “These six teams will bring passion, determination, and the best of Para ice hockey to Jessheim, and we look forward to seeing which nations will claim their place in Milano-Cortina 2026.”

USA, Canada, Czechia, China and Germany have already secured their tickets to the Paralympic Winter Games by finishing in the top five at the A-Pool Worlds.

The official game schedule for Jessheim will be released in October.