From April 1 to 5, 2026, Montreux becomes once again the world capital of rink hockey. The 70th edition of the Nations Cup — the oldest international rink hockey tournament in history, born in 1921 — is back at the Salle Omnisports du Pierrier in Clarens.

Where it all began

The story starts in the early 20th century, when English tourists on the shores of Lake Geneva helped introduce roller hockey to the region. That spark led to the founding of Montreux Hockey Club in 1911, and then, in 1921, to the very first Easter Tournament. As international delegations multiplied over the following decades, the event grew into a European reference and was renamed the "Nations Cup." It was in this same spirit of uniting nations through roller sports that the international federation FIRS was born — the body that would later become World Skate, today the IOC-recognised governing body for 12 disciplines across 137+ countries.

More than a century later, the Nations Cup remains the oldest rink hockey competition in the world, and Montreux has become, because of it, one of the discipline's true historic homes. The all-time title count tells its own story: Portugal leads with 19 titles, Spain follows with 17, and England with 8. 

The 8 teams

Group A — Samaranch

Argentina — Reigning Nations Cup champion and 2024 World Championship runner-up. Intensity, grit and spectacle guaranteed. This edition also marks a historic transition: legends Pablo Alvarez, Reinaldo Garcia and Valentin Grimalt have retired from international duty, opening the door to a new generation led by goalkeeper Juan Velazquez and forward Jeronimo Garcia. Franco Platero, at 33, will wear the Albiceleste shirt for the very first time.

 Italy — 3rd at the 2024 World Championship in Novara and 3rd at Euro 2025. Tactically strong and not to be underestimated.

Angola — African champion and 6th at the World Championship. The continent's finest, physical and hard to break down.

Montreux HC — The eternal host of this mythical tournament, with a young squad hungry to test themselves against the best.

Group B — Livramento

Portugal — European champion and all-time record holder with 19 Nations Cup titles. The benchmark of world rink hockey.

France — Euro 2025 finalist. A team on the rise, now firmly among the elite.

Spain — Reigning 2024 World Champion. Experienced, technically outstanding and dangerous in big matches.

Switzerland — 6th at Euro 2025 and 7th at the Novara World Championship. The best amateur side in the field, capable of upsetting the favourites on home ice.

Full Match Schedule

Wednesday, April 1 — Day 1 15:00 · Angola vs Italy (Group A) 17:00 · Argentina vs Montreux HC (Group A) 19:00 · Switzerland vs Portugal (Group B) 21:00 · France vs Spain (Group B)

Thursday, April 2 — Day 2 15:00 · Argentina vs Angola (Group A) 17:00 · Switzerland vs Spain (Group B) 19:30 · Italy vs Montreux HC (Group A) 21:30 · Portugal vs France (Group B)

Friday, April 3 — Day 3 15:00 · Montreux HC vs Angola (Group A) 17:00 · France vs Switzerland (Group B) 19:00 · Italy vs Argentina (Group A) 21:00 · Spain vs Portugal (Group B)

Saturday, April 4 — Semi-finals 14:00 · Classification match (3rd B vs 4th A) 16:30 · Classification match (4th B vs 3rd A) 19:00 · Semi-final 1 (1st B vs 2nd A) 21:30 · Semi-final 2 (2nd B vs 1st A)

Sunday, April 5 — Finals 14:00 · 7th place match 16:30 · 5th place match 19:00 · 3rd place match 21:30 · Final 23:30 · Closing ceremony

Watch every match live on worldskate.tv