The 2026 IIHF World Championship Division 1A concluded on May 8 in Sosnowiec, Poland, with the final day of group play determining promotions and relegations.
In the last matches, Kazakhstan defeated France in a shootout (2:1), Ukraine secured a 3:1 victory over Japan, and Poland fell to Lithuania in overtime (1:2 OT).
Kazakhstan and Ukraine finished as the top two teams in the group stage, earning promotion to the elite division for the 2027 tournament. Meanwhile, Japan, who finished last, will be relegated to Division 1B, with Estonia taking their place.
**Final Standings – Division 1A:**
– Kazakhstan – 13 points (5 games)
– Ukraine – 10 points (5 games)
– France – 8 points (5 games)
– Poland – 8 points (5 games)
– Lithuania – 4 points (5 games)
– Japan – 2 points (5 games)
