1990 World Championship

The 1990 Ice Hockey World Championships took place in Switzerland from 16 April 1990 - 2 May 1990. The matches were played in Bern and Fribourg. Eight teams took part, with all teams playing each other once. The four best teams then played each other again. This was the 54th World Championships, and at the same time, the 65th European Championships of ice hockey. The Soviet Union became world champions for the 22nd time, and Sweden won their tenth European title. For the European Championships, only games between European teams in the First Round were counted.

Consolation Round
Norway needing to keep their final game within four goals, lost four to nothing to the Germans, and were relegated.
 * Following the reunification of Germany, the Federal Republic of Germany ceased being referred to as West Germany and, starting in 1991, was simply referred to as Germany

World Championship Group B (France)
Played in Lyon and Megève March 29th to April 8th. Switzerland was promoted to Group A. The Netherlands should have been relegated but gained a reprive when East Germany ceased to participate because of the reunification of Germany.

World Championship Group C (Hungary)
Played in Budapest Hungary March 28th to April 8th. ''Yugoslavia was promoted to Group B. Both Belgium and South Korea should have been relegated, but were not for two reasons. The reunification of Germany left Group B one team short and there were not enough teams to have a Group D.''

World Championship Group D (Great Britain)
Played in Cardiff Wales March 20-25. Great Britain was promoted to Group C.