Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, it was hosted in a "bubble" behind closed doors in Edmonton, Alberta, with no spectators admitted for any game.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IIHF cancelled all lower-division U20 championships on September 17, 2020 (thus there was no promotion or relegation),[5] and announced that the top division tournament would be hosted solely by Edmonton using a "bubble" strategy similar to what was used for the NHL's 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs in Edmonton and Toronto.

[9] Swedish head coach Tomas Montén, along with two assistant leaders, and four players (William Eklund, Karl Henriksson, William Wallinder, and Albin Grewe) from the Swedish preliminary roster had to leave the team after having tested positive for COVID-19 very close to the beginning of the championship.

[13] Blackhawks prospect and 2020 first rounder and Team Germany forward Lukas Reichel was unable to play at the tournament, after having tested positive for COVID-19.

[16] Referees Linesmen Seeds for the preliminary round were based on the 2020 tournament's final standings using the serpentine system.