On Saturday, 2 May 2026, at 20:30 Kyiv time, Ukraine’s first match at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Division IA will kick off. Our team will face the tournament hosts, Poland.
Bookmakers are favouring a win for Poland, who will be playing on home ice. Bets on their victory are currently being taken at odds of 2.18, whilst the odds for the Ukrainians are 2.65. A draw in regular time, which could lead to overtime, is offered at odds of 3.198.
They also predict around five goals in the match: a total of over 4.5 is priced at 1.67, and a total of under 4.5 at 2.04.
Ukraine in Division IA: prospects and challenges
2026 will mark the Ukrainian national team’s second consecutive season in Division IA. Last year, they almost secured promotion to the top division. However, this year the team’s main goal is to remain in their current division, as the competition promises to be tough.
During the tournament, Ukraine will face the national teams of Poland, Kazakhstan, France, Lithuania and Japan. The top two teams will be promoted, whilst the team finishing in last place will be relegated. Ukraine’s main rival for retaining its place in the division will be Lithuania, a team the Ukrainian players are capable of beating.
The schedule for the Ice Hockey World Championship was announced earlier.
