Armenia Becomes a Full Member of IIHF and Will Compete at the 2026 World Championship in Kuwait

On October 3, at the congress of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) held in Nice, France, the Ice Hockey Federation of Armenia was granted full membership status. The decision was adopted by an overwhelming majority of votes.

“This means that Armenia has fully returned to the IIHF family,” noted Aram Sargsyan, Secretary General of the Ice Hockey Federation of Armenia.

Now, the national federation gains the right to vote at IIHF congresses, the opportunity to participate in men’s and women’s World Championships, Olympic qualifications, as well as access to the federation’s financial, technical, and educational programs. At the same time, Armenia commits to complying with IIHF regulations and developing its domestic hockey league.

It was also announced that Armenia’s national team will play its first tournament under the new status at the 2026 World Championship in Division IV. The competition will take place in Kuwait, which already hosted the tournament in 2024.