The IIHF World Junior Championship (WJC) is an annual ice hockey event for under-20 national teams, taking place between late December and early January. The top ten ranked countries compete in the 'Top Division,' with a world champion crowned, while other divisions play to earn promotion or avoid relegation.
In Canada, the WJC is highly regarded due to the country’s dominant performances and its deep hockey roots. With 20 gold medals, Canada has hosted many tournaments, though they also take place in Europe and the U.S. As of 2024, the United States is the defending champion, having defeated Sweden in the 2024 tournament in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Related : IIHF World Junior Championship Rosters
How many teams are in the IIHF World Juniors?
According to the IIHF's official website, the IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championship features 10 teams divided into two groups of five for the Preliminary Round. The top four teams from each group advance to the Playoff Round, while the fifth-placed teams face relegation matches. Games follow a three-point system: three points for a regulation win, two for an overtime/shootout win, one for an overtime/shootout loss, and zero for a regulation loss.
According to IIHF, among the teams, Canada has won the most medals at the World Junior Ice Hockey World Championships, with a total of 35 medals. This includes 20 gold medals, 10 silver medals, and 5 bronze medals. The country's dominance in the tournament has spanned many decades, with their most recent gold medal win in 2023. Russia follows closely with 13 golds, 13 silver, and 11 bronze, while the U.S. has secured 6 gold, 2 silver, and 7 bronze medals. Other notable countries in the medal tally include Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Switzerland.
According to the IHLC's official website, these are the overall medal tally of the countries, as of 2024,
| COUNTRY | Gold | Silver | Bronze | TOTAL |
| Canada (1977-) | 20 | 10 | 5 | 35 |
| Russia (1993-2021)/Soviet Union (1977-92) | 13 | 13 | 11 | 37 |
| United States (1977-) | 6 | 2 | 7 | 15 |
| Finland (1977-) | 5 | 5 | 7 | 17 |
| Sweden (1977-) | 2 | 12 | 7 | 21 |
| Czechia (1994-) / Czechoslovakia (1977-93) | 2 | 6 | 8 | 16 |
| Slovakia (1994-) | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Switzerland (1978-) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
How many countries are in the IIHF?
According to IIHF, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has 83 member countries. These members are classified into full members, associate members, and affiliate members based on their level of participation and development in ice hockey. The organization also supports various development programs to expand hockey's reach.
The federation oversees international tournaments, including the World Championships, and helps regulate the rules, officiating, and player transfers. It also runs development programs to make hockey more accessible globally.
Related: Who can play in the IIHF World Championship?
What is the format of the IIHF World Juniors?
According to IIHF, the IIHF World Juniors format consists of 10 teams divided into two groups of five for the Preliminary Round, where each team plays a round-robin within their group. The top four teams from each group advance to the Playoff Round, featuring cross-over quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal games.
The fifth-placed teams compete in the Relegation Round, with the losing team relegated to Division I Group A. Games follow a three-point system: three points for a regulation win, two for an overtime/shootout win, one for an overtime/shootout loss, and zero for a regulation loss.
How many players are in the IIHF?
According to IIHF, in the IIHF World Juniors, each team can have a maximum of 20 skaters and 3 goalies on their roster, with a minimum of 15 skaters and 2 goalies. During games, a team can dress 20 skaters and 2 goalies, with an emergency goalie available if needed. Players can be added to the roster throughout the tournament, but once a player is replaced due to injury, they cannot return.
Related: List of IIHF World Junior Championship Directorate Award Winners
FAQs on How many teams are in the IIHF World Juniors?
A. The first season was in 1974 (unofficial), and it became official in 1977.
A. The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship is being held in Canada, specifically in Ottawa.
A. The games will be played at the Canadian Tire Centre and TD Place.
A. The tournament will take place from December 26, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
A. The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held in Minnesota, USA, at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center and the 3M Arena.
