WCH IIB Women 2025/26

The IIHF Women's World Championship Division II Group B sits at the fifth level of the international women's ice hockey pyramid. It forms part of a system designed to elevate developing nations through structured competition. The format employs a single round-robin schedule featuring six participants.

Its position is defined by strict movement between tiers. The champion secures promotion to Division II Group A, while the bottom team faces relegation to Division III. This mechanism ensures that performance directly dictates the team's standing in the following season. The structure was formalised in 2012, aligning with the nomenclature used in the men's tournament and replacing the older Division IV classification. Before that date, these teams competed in Division III or IV.

Recent history highlights shifting power dynamics within the group. Australia claimed the title in 2025, having been defeated by Belgium in the previous year. North Korea won in 2024 before securing promotion. Turkey established itself as a dominant force during the mid-2010s, accumulating several victories. The 2026 edition saw Hong Kong emerge as champions, resulting in Belgium's demotion.

Hosting duties rotate among the member nations, reflecting the global reach of the sport. The 2024 event took place in Istanbul, Turkey, while New Zealand hosted the 2025 tournament in Dunedin. Hong Kong is scheduled to host the 2026 competition. Current participants include Australia, Belgium, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Turkey, and Ukraine.

Unlike the higher tier, this division serves as a specific stepping stone for countries seeking to advance in the sport. It provides a platform for nations to test their capabilities against peers at a similar developmental stage. The competition remains distinct from its upper counterpart by focusing on growth rather than elite status. Participation offers visibility and experience crucial for long-term progress in international hockey.