The 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division I tournaments concluded on April 18, 2026, with major shifts in the international rankings as France and the Netherlands secured key promotions.
France celebrates a return to the Top Division while the Netherlands secures their spot in Division I-A
Division I, Group A (Budapest, Hungary)
France emerged victorious in a highly competitive field to return to the Top Division for 2027.
Final Standings
| Rank | Team | Points | Status |
| 1 | France | 12 | Promoted to Top Division |
| 2 | Slovakia | 9 | Stay |
| 3 | Hungary (H) | 8 | Stay |
| 4 | Italy | 7 | Stay |
| 5 | Norway | 6 | Stay |
| 6 | China | 3 | Relegated to Div I, Group B |
Tournament Highlights
The Decisive Final: France clinched gold in a de facto final on the last day, defeating Slovakia 3–1. Despite being outshot 27–16, French goaltender Alice Philbert stood tall to secure the promotion.
A Balanced Attack: France relied on a deep roster, with Estelle Duvin (9 points) and Clara Rozier (8 points) leading the charge.
Tough Luck for China: After being relegated from the Top Division recently, China struggled in Budapest and finished last, resulting in a second consecutive relegation.
Directorate Awards
Best Goalkeeper: Aniko Nemeth (Hungary)
Best Defender: Nadia Mattivi (Italy)
Best Forward: Estelle Duvin (France)
Division I, Group B (Puigcerda, Spain)
The Netherlands dominated the group in Spain, showcasing their growth in the European circuit.
Final Standings
| Rank | Team | Points | Status |
| 1 | Netherlands | 13 | Promoted to Div I, Group A |
| 2 | Great Britain | 11 | Stay |
| 3 | Kazakhstan | 7 | Stay |
| 4 | South Korea | 7 | Stay |
| 5 | Latvia | 4 | Stay |
| 6 | Spain (H) | 3 | Relegated to Div II, Group A |
Tournament Highlights
Dutch Dominance: The Netherlands finished with a nearly perfect record (4–0–1–0), allowing only 4 goals across 5 games. Maree Dijkema led the tournament in scoring with 10 points.
Great Britain’s Surge: The Brits put up a valiant effort, securing the silver medal with 11 points, including two overtime victories that kept them in the hunt until the final day.
Host Nation Struggle: In their Division I, Group B debut, Spain fought hard but managed only one win (3 points), leading to their relegation back to Division II.
Directorate Awards
Best Goalkeeper: Eline Gabriele (Netherlands)
Best Defender: Kayleigh Hamers (Netherlands)
Best Forward: Maree Dijkema (Netherlands)
