There's a simple way to watch IIHF World Championship 2026 for free in the USA

Players of Team USA stand with their gold medals after their win against Switzerland in the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship match between Switzerland and USA
(Image credit: Getty Images)

After being crowned Olympic champions at the Milano Cortina, the USA will be keen on continuing their dominance at the IIHF World Championship 2026 in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland. However, they’ll have to make do without many players from the gold-winning team, as they are occupied with the Stanley Cup.

Then there’s Canada, who will be looking to improve on their form and flip the script after being knocked out by Denmark in the quarterfinals last year. Switzerland, meanwhile, with a new coach but much of their Olympic team still intact, will be looking to make the most of home advantage.

ORF On — Watch select IIHF World Championship games completely FREE

▶︎ ORF On — Watch select IIHF World Championship games completely FREE

Ice hockey fans from Austria currently traveling in the U.S. can live stream select games of the IIHF World Championship 2026 completely FREE on the free-to-air broadcaster and streaming service ORF On.

🌎 Tip: Traveling or outside Austria.? Use Norton VPN to unblock your usual streaming services like you were back home.

How to watch IIHF World Championship 2026 for free from outside USA

Traveling away from the U.S. and blocked from watching IIHF World Championship 2026 free in the USA?

You can still watch this year's IIHF World Championship live online with a fast, stable VPN (don't get a cheap one, they're useless for streaming).

We use Norton VPN (free $30 Amazon gift card) — it works with ORF On and other streaming services. Plus, we have a huge sale discount below... only for ice hockey fans.

► Sign up to Norton VPN and watch the IIHF World Championship
Exclusive Deal

Sign up to Norton VPN and watch the IIHF World Championship

Norton VPN is fast, reliable, and packed with useful features, with server locations worldwide.

60-day money-back guarantee
$30 Amazon Gift Card
Just $60 for 2 years

Even better: Tom’s Guide readers get an exclusive discount on Norton VPN.

What other ways can you watch IIHF World Championship 2026 for free in the U.S.?

Captain Clayton Keller #9 of team USA lift the IIHF trophy after the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship match between Switzerland and USA

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Using a VPN to unblock ORF On is only one way to watch IIHF World Championship 2026 without paying in the U.S.

Ice hockey fans in the U.S. can also access a few games completely free by using free trials of live TV services carrying the NHL Network.

DirecTV (5 days free)

Fubo (5 days free)

Again, if you're outside your home country, you can always unlock your local free trials and streams using a VPNNorton VPN works best for this.

More from Tom's Guide

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Krishi Chowdhary
Contributor

Krishi is a VPN writer covering buying guides, how-to's, and other cybersecurity content here at Tom's Guide. His expertise lies in reviewing products and software, from VPNs, online browsers, and antivirus solutions to smartphones and laptops. As a tech fanatic, Krishi also loves writing about the latest happenings in the world of cybersecurity, AI, and software.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.