United States, Canada paired together for 2021 World Championship

Defending champion Finland highlights second group in 16-team preliminary round

worlds_052120

© Martin Rose/Getty Images

By NHL.com @NHLdotcom

The United States and Canada will be in the same group for preliminary-round play at the 2021 IIHF World Championship.

The tournament will be held in May in Minsk, Belarus, and Riga, Latvia. A schedule will be announced at a later date.

The United States and Canada will play in Group B at Arena Riga in Latvia, along with Finland, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Italy and Kazakhstan.

Group A, which will play at Minsk Arena in Belarus, consists of Russia, Sweden, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Slovakia, Denmark, Belarus and Great Britain.

Minsk Arena also will host the semifinal and championship games.

The 2020 World Championship, which was scheduled for May 8-24 in Switzerland, was canceled March 21 because of concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

The groups for the 2021 Worlds were set by the 2020 IIHF men's world ranking, which takes into consideration results of World Championships and Olympics during the past four years. Finland won the 2019 World Championship.

2024 IIHF World Championship

Necas not worried about contract status with Hurricanes

Helenius on track to 'be a great player in the NHL one day'

Brandsegg-Nygard getting valuable reps for Norway at World Championship

Josi of Predators embraces role as Switzerland captain at Worlds

Brady Tkachuk cheering brother on from World Championship

Bedard talks playing for Canada in World Championships in Q&A with NHL.com

Bedard, Fantilli, Celebrini named to Canada roster for World Championship

Lucic to weigh options after winning gold with Canada at Worlds

Gauthier gains valuable experience with United States at Worlds

Hutson, Canadiens prospect, quick study for United States at Worlds

Peterka optimistic about Sabres next season after taking 'big step'

Ehlers expects Jets to make offseason changes after disappointing finish

Kakko working to become 'better player' amid changes with Rangers

Seider leading on, off ice for Germany at World Championship

Rantanen looks to continue winning ways at World Championship

Fiala says Kings season ended 'way too early'

Doan, Nash to lead Canada management staff for World Championship

Power, projected No. 1 pick in 2021 Draft, going to be 'superstar' in NHL