(Photo credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images)

The North American portion of the World Cup of Hockey 2028 will take place in the Alberta cities of Edmonton and Calgary.

Prague, in the Czech Republic, will serve as the European host for the international tournament, which was most recently held in 2016.

Scotia Place, the Calgary Flames' new arena opening for the 2027-28 season, and Prague's 02 Arena will each host six round-robin games and one elimination game. The World Cup semifinals and final will be held at Rogers Place, home of the Edmonton Oilers.

'There is no international competition in sports that matches the passion, skill, and excitement of hockey's best-on-best coming together to represent their countries -- last year's 4 Nations Face-Off and the recent Winter Olympics were just the latest examples,' NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.

'We at the National Hockey League and our partners at the National Hockey League Players' Association can't wait to bring the World Cup of Hockey 2028 to three spectacular venues in three cities that shine when staging big events. We know Calgary, Edmonton and Prague will serve as fantastic hosts for hockey fans from all over the globe, and that the greatest hockey players in the world will compete on a level that will make this event truly memorable.'

Dates for the eight-nation tournament, as well as the competing nations and a full schedule, will be announced at a later date.

'Coming off the amazing international hockey played at the recent Olympic Winter games, NHL players are very excited to return to international hockey at the World Cup of Hockey 2028,' NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh said. 'Calgary, Edmonton and Prague are cities with very deep roots in hockey and the games will be played in three hockey venues that will be amongst the best in the world. The players cannot wait to don their home country's sweaters in Alberta and Prague in February 2028.'

The three previous editions of the World Cup of Hockey were won by the United States (1996) and Canada (2004, 2016).

--Field Level Media