The Ice Hockey World Championship is one of the most exciting tournaments in international sports. In 2025, fans and punters are looking forward to a fierce battle on the ice, with the world’s best teams competing for the gold. Let’s explore the latest World Cup hockey IIHF odds and predictions.
2025 IIHF predictions
The 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship in Sweden promises one of the most competitive fields in recent memory. Most top nations will have access to their elite NHL players, making team lineups deeper and more dangerous than usual. Let’s analyse the main contenders, their chances, and how the groups might shape up.
Outright odds to win the 2025 World Championship
| Team | Odds to Win |
| Canada | 3.50 |
| Sweden | 4.20 |
| Finland | 4.50 |
| USA | 5.00 |
| Czech Republic | 8.00 |
| Switzerland | 10.00 |
| Germany | 12.00 |
| Slovakia | 16.00 |
| Latvia | 20.00 |
| Norway | 25.00 |
Canada enters the tournament as the favourite — not only due to their deep roster of NHL stars, but also their tournament consistency. With multiple recent titles and a core of experienced players, they’re expected to dominate Group A.
Sweden, as hosts, bring a tactical edge and passionate crowd support. With a strong two-way system and excellent goaltending depth, they’re a popular pick among sharp bettors.
Finland, known for defensive discipline and elite goaltending, remains a serious threat, especially in elimination games. Their gold medal win in 2022 and strong youth development pipeline signal more success to come.
USA, though younger, will rely on speed and creativity. If key players like Jack Hughes and Trevor Zegras join, the Americans could present serious value at 5.00 odds.
Switzerland and Germany continue to rise. Germany’s silver medal in 2023 was no fluke — the combination of elite goaltending and gritty defence makes them difficult to beat.
Group stage dynamics
Group A includes:
- Canada
- Sweden
- Germany
- Denmark
- Norway
- Kazakhstan
- Great Britain
- Austria
Canada and Sweden are expected to top the group, but Germany could spoil the party if they maintain defensive form. Denmark and Norway will likely battle for the final playoff spot, while Kazakhstan, Great Britain, and Austria may struggle to avoid relegation.
Group A prediction:
- Canada
- Sweden
- Germany
- Denmark
Group B includes:
- Finland
- USA
- Czech Republic
- Slovakia
- Switzerland
- Latvia
- Slovenia
- Hungary
This group is stacked with playoff contenders. Finland, USA, and the Czech Republic will likely dominate, but Switzerland and Latvia are known to pull upsets. Slovakia’s young core is improving fast, and Hungary will fight hard to stay afloat.
Group B prediction:
- Finland
- USA
- Czech Republic
- Switzerland
< h3>Medal predictions
Gold Medal Prediction: Canada
With depth at every position, Canada has the most reliable tournament-winning formula. Barring major injuries or goaltending issues, they remain the strongest team on paper.
Silver Medal Prediction: Sweden
The home crowd could push Sweden through a tough semifinal and into a dramatic final against Canada. Their defensive core, led by NHL stars, is among the best.
Bronze Medal Prediction: USA
Young, hungry, and fast — the Americans will likely stumble in the semis but bounce back in the bronze medal game.
Dark Horse Pick: Germany
With odds at 12.00 and consistent defensive systems, Germany is a great value bet to reach the semifinals or even fight for bronze.
IIHF World Championship betting odds 2025
The Ice Hockey World Championship offers a vast and diverse betting landscape. With 64 matches, dozens of betting markets per game, and shifting team dynamics, the IIHF tournament rewards informed, flexible bettors. Below, we break down the most important markets, advanced strategies, and tips to maximise returns using updated iihf odds from top sportsbooks.
Types of IIHF betting markets
1. Outright winner
This is the most popular market: selecting which team will win gold. Odds are released before the tournament and adjust throughout based on performance, injuries, and group results. Smart punters often bet early on favourites like Canada or Sweden to catch better value before odds shorten.
2. To reach the final / medal bets
You can bet on teams to finish in the top 3 (win any medal), reach the semifinals, or qualify for the final. These markets are useful for strong teams with tough group draws, where gold is uncertain but a medal is likely.
3. Match winner (3-way)
Standard 1X2 betting — where you bet on a team to win in regulation time, or the game to end in a draw. In IIHF games, overtime is common, so consider the Draw option in evenly matched games with strong goaltending.
4. Match winner incl. overtime (2-way)
Also called Moneyline, this includes overtime and shootouts. This is often a safer option for favourites when you expect a close match.
5. Handicap betting
Useful when top-tier teams play weaker sides. For example, Canada (-2.5) vs. Austria at odds of 1.85 means Canada must win by 3+ goals to cover the spread.
6. Over/Under Total Goals
You bet on whether the combined goals from both teams will be over or under a set number. Common lines are 5.5 or 6.5. Choose Under in defensive matchups (e.g. Finland vs. Switzerland), or Over in high-tempo pairings like USA vs. Slovakia.
7. Team totals
Betting on how many goals a single team scores — useful for dominant offences.
8. Period betting
Bet on outcomes within specific periods — especially useful when teams start slow or peak late.
9. First team to score / Last team to score
These prop bets are high-risk but valuable when you know a team’s playing style.
10. Live betting markets
Bettors can respond to momentum shifts — e.g. if Finland leads 2–0 after the first period, the Under 5.5 Total Goals market becomes more attractive.
Betting strategies for IIHF tournaments
1. Line-up monitoring
Team rosters often change right before the tournament due to NHL playoffs. Watch for last-minute additions or withdrawals of key players.
2. Goalie form analysis
A goaltender can win or lose a match alone. Check save percentages and consistency from national leagues or previous IIHF appearances.
3. Watch scheduling
Teams playing back-to-back may rotate their lineups. Look for weaker squads using backup goalies — prime opportunity for Over bets.
4. Target mispriced matches
Bookmakers sometimes overvalue name brands (e.g. USA, Russia in past years). Don’t hesitate to bet against favourites if stats support it.
5. Use combination bets
Parlaying Match Winner + Over Goals can increase value. For instance, betting Sweden to win + Over 5.5 against Norway might raise odds to 2.60+.
Sample IIHF Odds Table (To Win Tournament)<.h3>
| Team | Odds |
| Canada | 3.50 |
| Sweden | 4.20 |
| Finland | 4.50 |
| USA | 5.00 |
| Czech Republic | 8.00 |
| Germany | 12.00 |
| Switzerland | 10.00 |
| Slovakia | 16.00 |
These odds are offered in euros at Vivatbet and other top sportsbooks. Platforms often include cashout options, bet boosts, and multi-bet insurance, especially useful in long tournaments like the IIHF World Championship.
2025 IIHF World Championships Details
The 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is slated for Sweden from the 9th to the 25th of May, 2025. This will be Sweden’s twelfth attempt at hosting the IIHF having previously done so in Stockholm and Malmö. Sweden is known for its strong ice hockey and modern supports architecture so it anticipated full attendance.
Host cities and venues:
- Stockholm – Avicii Arena (capacity: 13,850)
The capital of Sweden, Stockholm, is home to this indor sporting facility. It has previously hosted IIHF events in 2013 and is set to do so again for the 2025 championship.
- Malmö – Malmö Arena (capacity: 12,600)
Stockholm isn’t the only city hosting Group B playoff and semifinal matches. The close proximity to the capital of Denmark gives Malmö a geographical advantage.
Malmö is known for its close proximity to Copenhagen and will host the Group B preliminary playoff as well as semifinal matches.
Tournament format
As always 16 nations will be competing in single elimination tourney when divided into two groups of 8. Each team will play 7 group stage matches and.
Beginning group placerels will have the following set:
- All teams except the top 4 from each block advance to the quarter finals.
- 5th–7th placed teams are eliminated.
- The last team in each group is relegated to Division I A for 2026.
The knockout stage includes:
- Quarterfinals (cross-group pairings: A1 vs. B4, A2 vs. B3, etc.)
- Semifinals
- Bronze medal game
- Gold medal final (May 25, 2025, in Stockholm)
Tiebreakers include head-to-head points, goal difference, and number of goals scored.
Participating teams
Group A – Stockholm
| Nation | IIHF Rank (2024) |
| Canada | 1 |
| Sweden (host) | 4 |
| Germany | 7 |
| Denmark | 10 |
| Austria | 14 |
| Kazakhstan | 16 |
| Great Britain | 17 |
| Norway | 11 |
This group is considered top-heavy, with Canada and Sweden expected to dominate. Germany will battle for a top-three finish, while Denmark and Norway could surprise with strong goaltending and structured play. Great Britain and Kazakhstan face a tough battle to avoid relegation.
Group B – Malmö
| Nation | IIHF Rank (2024) |
| Finland | 2 |
| USA | 3 |
| Czech Republic | 5 |
| Slovakia | 9 |
| Switzerland | 6 |
| Latvia | 8 |
| Slovenia | 15 |
| Hungary | 18 |
Group B is stacked with mid-tier contenders. Finland and USA are clear favourites, but the battle for third and fourth will be intense. Slovakia, Switzerland, and Latvia are known for upsetting higher-ranked teams. Hungary and Slovenia will likely compete to stay in the top division.
Tournament schedule highlights
| Date | Stage | Notes |
| 9 May 2025 | Opening matches | Sweden and Finland play Day 1 |
| 13 May 2025 | Rivalry day | USA vs. Finland, Canada vs. Sweden |
| 18 May 2025 | Final group games | Critical for quarterfinal seeding |
| 21 May 2025 | Quarterfinals | 4 games, played in both cities |
| 23 May 2025 | Semifinals | Held in Stockholm |
| 24 May 2025 | Bronze match | Afternoon game |
| 25 May 2025 | Gold medal match | Evening, Avicii Arena |
Daily matches are scheduled between 13:20 and 20:20 CET. Full coverage will be available on major European broadcasters and sportsbooks with live stats, betting options, and player tracking.
Summary table: Ice Hockey World Championship 2025
| Detail | Information |
| Host country | Sweden |
| Dates | 9–25 May 2025 |
| Cities & venues | Stockholm (Avicii Arena), Malmö (Malmö Arena) |
| Teams | 16 |
| Groups | 2 (Group A, Group B) |
| Games per team (group) | 7 |
| Knockout phase | QF, SF, Bronze, Gold |
| Final match | 25 May, Avicii Arena |
| Relegation | Bottom team in each group |
| Currency for betting | Euro |
Ice Hockey World Championships History
Like any sports championship, the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is a competition held for international ice hockey players, nationally based. It includes center countries for ice hockey and was founded on WW1 ideology. This event paved the way for an incredibly popular competition as it gained recognition in 1920.
The competition has also witnessed a series of compelling elements around its rich history. Begging with distinct spell binding encounters to perform best which remains notable till date. Countries like Canada who are sole holders of championships alongside USSR and Russia, Finland along with Sweden and Czech Republic maintained international legacy.
Highlights from recent years
2024: Sweden reigns again
Achieved 12th gold medal having crushed Sweden in convincing 3-2 finals in extra time for Sweden beating their arch rival Finland. Expecting exceptional goalkeeping alongside unveiling of young stars from SHL and the NHL the tournament sure went with a bang marking history along the tournament winning Sweden encore. USA secured bronze by edging out Switzerland in a tight 4–3 game.
2023: Canada’s redemption
After a shaky group stage, Canada powered through the playoffs, defeating Germany in the final. This win marked their 28th gold medal — the most in IIHF history. Germany’s silver was their first medal in over 70 years, sparking a hockey renaissance across the country.
2022: Finland’s golden moment
Finland, playing on home ice in Tampere, captured the gold by beating Canada in a tactical, low-scoring final. Their defensive dominance and strong coaching have since become a model for other mid-sized hockey nations.
Recent IIHF Gold Medal Winners (2014–2024)
| Year | Winner | Silver | Bronze |
| 2024 | Sweden | Finland | USA |
| 2023 | Canada | Germany | Latvia |
| 2022 | Finland | Canada | Czech Republic |
| 2021 | Canada | Finland | USA |
| 2020 | Cancelled | — | — |
| 2019 | Finland | Canada | Russia |
| 2018 | Sweden | Switzerland | USA |
| 2017 | Sweden | Canada | Russia |
| 2016 | Canada | Finland | Russia |
| 2015 | Canada | Russia | USA |
| 2014 | Russia | Finland | Sweden |
Notable records and statistics
- Most gold medals: Canada (28)
- Most total medals: Russia/Soviet Union (47)
- Most appearances: Sweden
- Most recent first-time medalist: Latvia (bronze in 2023)
In the last few years, the competition among top nations has leveled out. While Canada and Sweden still reign supreme, Switzerland, Germany, and the Czech Republic consistently compete for medals. The IIHF’s focus on expanding participation worldwide has also increased competition from Latvia, Denmark, and Slovakia, which are considered smaller hockey countries.
Along with crowning the world’s best ice hockey team, the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship will serve tremendous value to customers and audiences globally. The odds that shift through emerging stars and tactical scrimmages require attention to make informed decisions. Whether you are considering betting on the outright winners, employing live betting tactics, or tracking odds on a daily basis, strategic planning enhances outcomes.
Put yourselves in the melting pot of 17 days of action-charged ice hockey where every single pass, penalty, and goal scored could shift the entire tournament alongside your bet slip.