Sweden were initially selected as the sole hosts of the flagship men's tournament but, after discussions with their neigbouring country, a proposal to jointly stage matches was made to the IIHF in May.

This has now been confirmed by the governing body who met in Italian capital Rome for their Semi-Annual Congress.

The host cities for the event in 2025 have yet to be decided, however.

Confirmation of the co-hosting means Denmark will stage World Championship games seven years after holding last year's tournament in Copenhagen and Herning.

This was the first time the event had taken place in Denmark.

Sweden has not hosted the World Championship since 2013, when it shared responsibilities with Finland.

The country last hosted alone in 2002.

It was also confirmed the IIHF has grown to 81 member national associations, with five new countries.  

Algeria, Colombia, Iran, Lebanon and Uzbekistan are new associate members, with a member now approved to represent Greece.