The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup wrapped up on Sunday afternoon with Spain taking the crown over Argentina in a 1-0 victory in extra time. For many across the globe, it wrapped up another exceptional tournament, leaving them grasping for the next one in 2030.


The soccer community has the World Cup nailed down in terms of excitement, hype, and delivering on expectations. Meanwhile, the hockey community has struggled with it. So what can they learn from the largest sporting tournament in the world?

4 Nations extension

The NHL practically nailed it with the 4 Nations Face-Off a couple of years ago. Of course, the Colorado Avalanche were well represented with three of the four teams. And almost certainly, Gabriel Landeskog would’ve played for Team Sweden if he were healthy.

Another 4 Nations-like tournament would surely bring more energy to it, as it did the first time around. Of course, it would be more complex with teams like Russia or Germany added in. But the world would surely eat it up more.

It would also allow for fiercer competition. Spirits around the 4 Nations were high – both on and off the ice – which delivered and made it an unforgettable tournament.

Fitting in more teams to play in the condensed week-long tournament would make things more difficult. But it could drive up hockey’s popularity once again.

The fan experience

Hockey fans already know how insane it is to watch a game live in-person. It’s getting casual fans roped into the action, which is a little more difficult.

For the World Cup, the experience of watching your country play is like no other. The cheers, bands, and music playing put it over the top. It should be the same with hockey.

But it starts when you enter the arena with activations, giveaways, and maybe getting the opportunity to see your team or favorite players enter the arena as well. Some sort of experience to bring people closer to their superhuman counterparts would make it even sweeter.

At the NHL Draft hosted by the Buffalo Sabres, there was a red carpet for the draftees entering for their big moment. Something similar before a game would be a unique opportunity.


Unfortunately, the NHL’s switch back to an All-Star Game this season might mean the 4 Nations tournament or other international hockey will be hurt. However, the All-Star Game’s format does have some international spice with it.

Hosted by the New York Islanders, it was recently announced that it will be a round-robin tournament made up of the 4 Nations teams plus a “World” team. But only five-minute-long games played at three-on-three that can end in ties will make the experience far from a 4 Nations Face-Off game.

Regardless, the NHL should go back to a 4 Nations-like tournament at some point to keep the hype up during what can be a sluggish February break. While it wouldn’t reach the same levels as the World Cup, it would at least help bring in casual fans and drive forward the beautiful game on ice.