WCH IV 2025/26

The IIHF World Championship Division IV forms the lowest tier of the international men's senior national team structure. Established in 2019 to expand the sport into non-traditional regions, it sits below Division III B within the global hockey pyramid. The division operates as a single unified group, unlike Divisions I and II which are split into sub-divisions. This format allows for straightforward competition among participating nations.

For the current season, the tournament features six teams: Armenia, Indonesia, Iran, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan. The competition follows a single round-robin format where each side plays every other participant once. The primary objective for clubs in this tier is promotion to Division III B, achieved by finishing as the top team. There is no relegation from this division as it remains the bottom level, though the lowest-placed teams may face qualification processes in future years if the field expands.

The tournament distinguishes itself by focusing on developing ice hockey infrastructure in non-traditional climates. Participants include tropical nations such as Indonesia and Malaysia alongside Middle Eastern countries like Iran and Kuwait. The 2025 edition, hosted in Yerevan, marked the return of Armenia after a fifteen-year absence and the debut of Uzbekistan. Historical winners include Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan. No nation has yet won the title more than once.

The structure provides a pathway for emerging hockey nations to compete at an international level. Teams from countries with limited summer ice facilities can participate in the winter season. The competition aims to grow the sport beyond traditional strongholds. Official coverage for each annual tournament is available through the IIHF website.