Canada is slated to host an unprecedented number of U-18 and senior national World Championships between 2026 and 2030. The first in that span will be the 2026 U-18 World Championships which will take place in Sydney and Membertou, Nova Scotia.
"Three months ago, we were honoured to announce a historic hosting agreement with the IIHF that will bring five international women’s championships to Canada between 2026 and 2030 and mark a new chapter in Hockey Canada’s commitment to growing women’s and girls’ hockey," said Katherine Henderson, president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada.
"We cannot think of more deserving communities to host the first of those five championships than Sydney and Membertou, as women’s and girls’ hockey continues to thrive on Cape Breton and across Nova Scotia."
It's the first time Canada has hosted the U-18 World Championships since 2016. Canada is the current reigning gold medallists winning the 2025 U-18 World Championships.
The 5,000-seat Centre 200, home of the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League’s Cape Breton Eagles, and the 1,250-seat Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre will host the event.
"I can’t think of a better place in the world to see the rise of women's hockey than here in Cape Breton,” said Cecil Clarke, mayor of Cape Breton Regional Municipality. "We are excited to host the best of the next generation of players and inspire excellence here at home, in Canada and around the world."
