Story Summary
The Slovak national team will begin its IIHF World Championship 2027 campaign in Germany with a B-group opener against Denmark on Saturday 15 May at 12:20 in Düsseldorf. Slovakia’s B-group fixtures run through Tuesday 25 May and include matches against Kazakhstan, Hungary, Canada, the USA, the Czech Republic and Norway. The schedule and group placements were confirmed on the IIHF website; Slovakia had originally been placed in A-group but was replaced there after Germany exercised host rights.
Key Facts
- Slovakia opens at the IIHF World Championship 2027 on Saturday 15 May at 12:20 with Slovakia – Denmark in Düsseldorf.
- Slovakia’s B-group schedule in Düsseldorf (all times given): 15 May 12:20 vs Denmark; 16 May 12:20 vs Kazakhstan; 18 May 20:20 vs Hungary; 20 May 16:20 vs Canada; 22 May 20:20 vs USA; 24 May 20:20 vs Czech Republic; 25 May 16:20 vs Norway.
- Slovakia had originally been placed in A-group, but Germany used host rights to take that slot; Germany will play its group games in Mannheim.
- Norway are identified as the bronze medallists from this year’s championship in Switzerland.
- The Czech Republic beat Slovakia 3:2 at the 2026 World Championship, and the federal derby between Slovakia and the Czech Republic is scheduled for Monday 24 May at 20:20 in Düsseldorf.
- The tournament opens on 13 May with Germany v Switzerland at 20:20 in the Veltins-Arena, which returns to the World Championship after 17 years.
- The Veltins-Arena hosted the 2010 opening game when Germany beat the USA 2:1 after overtime in front of a record attendance of 77,803.
IHM Discussion
The published IIHF schedule places Slovakia in a compact B-group programme in Düsseldorf, with a mix of European and North American opponents across ten days. The calendar includes back-to-back fixtures at the start of the campaign and late-evening games against Canada and the USA, placing a premium on recovery between games. The federal derby with the Czech Republic on 24 May will be a high-profile encounter after the Czechs won 3:2 when the teams met at the 2026 championship. Slovakia finish group play against Norway, identified as this year’s bronze medallists.
Why It Matters
The match order matters for preparation and momentum. Opening against Denmark on 15 May gives Slovakia a midday start and a clear schedule rhythm with a second game the following day against Kazakhstan. Mid-week fixtures against Canada and the USA represent the toughest matchups on paper and could be decisive for group standings. The derby with the Czech Republic carries additional rivalry significance and recent history, which can influence both selection and game planning.
Mini Q&A
When does Slovakia start at the 2027 World Championship?
Slovakia opens on Saturday 15 May 2027 at 12:20 against Denmark in Düsseldorf.
Which teams are in Slovakia’s group and who are their opponents?
Slovakia’s B-group opponents in Düsseldorf are Denmark, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Canada, the USA, the Czech Republic and Norway.
Why is Slovakia in B-group rather than A-group?
According to the IIHF website cited by the source, Slovakia had originally been placed in A-group, but Germany used host rights and replaced Slovakia; Germany will play its games in Mannheim.
When is the federal derby against the Czech Republic?
Slovakia faces the Czech Republic on Monday 24 May at 20:20 in Düsseldorf.
Where and when does the tournament open?
The tournament opens on 13 May at 20:20 with Germany v Switzerland at the Veltins-Arena, which is hosting World Championship games again after 17 years.
What Comes Next
Key checkpoint: Slovakia’s first game is Saturday 15 May at 12:20 in Düsseldorf against Denmark. The team’s full B-group schedule runs through Tuesday 25 May, concluding with Norway at 16:20.
IHM Final View
The published schedule gives Slovakia a clear, tightly packed B-group programme in Düsseldorf that mixes manageable early tests with high-risk clashes against Canada, the USA and the Czech Republic. How Slovakia manages recovery and match preparation across consecutive fixtures will be central to their progress at the 2027 World Championship.