Barkov, Lundell Join Finland for 2026 IIHF World Championship in Zurich

Aleksander Barkov Back for Finland at World Championship

Barkov is back. After missing the entire NHL season, the Panthers captain will play for Finland at the World Championship in Switzerland, May 15-30.

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Aleksander Barkov returns to Finland’s squad for the World Championship next month in Switzerland, despite missing the entire National Hockey League season through injury.

Barkov suffered knee ligament damage during training with his club, the Florida Panthers, in September and was expected to be sidelined for seven to nine months.

After returning to light training in January, the 30-year-old forward has declared himself fit to play at the tournament, which runs from May 15 to 30.

The Tampere native is set to end a decade away from international duty. He last wore a Leijonat jersey at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, having previously featured at the 2014 Winter Olympics and 2016 World Championship.

Despite concerns over his match sharpness, the Panthers organisation had no issue with his participation. “If a hockey player wants to play hockey, that's a good thing,” said the team’s general manager, Bill Zito.

At the 2026 World Championship, Finland will play their Group A games in Zurich. Barkov is set to be joined by his compatriot and fellow Panthers forward, Anton Lundell. Head coach Antti Pennanen was certainly pleased to have both players available.

“Representing Finland has always been an honour for me. It's great to be able to play and travel with Leijonat,” Barkov announced.

The latest addition to the Lions' lineup is New York Rangers defenceman Urho Vaakanainen.

Hienoja uutisia Leijonille - Aleksander Barkov ja Anton Lundell MM-kisoihin: https://t.co/pzJW6XJubt#Leijonat #MMkisat #NHL @FlaPanthers pic.twitter.com/EJWrrB8Y60

— Leijonat.fi (@leijonat) April 16, 2026

The full squads are yet to be announced. Finland open their campaign against Germany on May 15, before facing Hungary, United States, Latvia, Great Britain, Austria and Switzerland for a place in the quarter-finals.

“Barkov brings world-class leadership, experience and skills. As a valued player and well-liked person, he brings a lot of good to the team. It's great that he definitely wanted to come to the World Championship, despite his long injury lay-off,” said the coach.

“He is an intelligent and versatile player, an excellent addition to our attack,” Pennanen added, regarding Lundell.