The 1999 International Ice Hockey Federation World Under 18 years old Championship was the first of its kind, It was held between April 8 and 18, 1999 in Fussen and Kaufbeuren, Germany. It replaced the European Under 18 Championship at the top two levels (which had run since 1977), by including one nation: The USA. Below the top two levels (Groups A&B) two tiers of European divisions played, as well as two tiers of Asian divisions.