Starting in 2026, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) will launch a revised championship cycle for under-8, under-10, and under-12 players to enhance global development pathways. The cycle features the FIDE World Cadets Cup as a qualifying event and the FIDE World Cadets Championships as the final stage for world titles. The inaugural Cup will occur in Batumi, Georgia.
FIDE has announced a new structure for its youth competitions aimed at under-8, under-10, and under-12 age groups, beginning in 2026. This cycle seeks to bolster the international pathway for young chess players while clarifying the progression and elevating the prestige of FIDE's youth events.
The FIDE World Cadets Cup U8-U12 will serve as the initial qualifying stage, replacing the former World Cadet Championship U8-U12 under its new name. The event retains its existing competitive format and playing conditions, functioning as a merit-based gathering of top young talents worldwide. It leads into the FIDE World Cadets Championships U8, U10, and U12, scheduled later in the year, where world champions will be crowned.
The first edition of the renamed Cup is set for June 15-28, 2026, in Batumi, Georgia. Tournaments will be held separately for boys and girls in each age category. National federations can nominate one player per category and gender—up to six total—plus a head of delegation with a valid FIDE ID. Additional invited participants include the top three finishers from prior World Cadets events and recent continental champions. Federations may register extra players, covering their costs, subject to approval.
Batumi, which hosted the 2018 Chess Olympiad and other major FIDE events, offers a suitable venue thanks to Georgia's strong chess tradition and organizational expertise. Akaki Iashvili, Chair of the FIDE Events Commission and President of the Georgian Chess Federation, commented: “This event is an important opportunity for young players to test themselves on the world stage and to experience international chess at the highest organisational level. Georgia is proud to welcome the global chess community to Batumi once again, and we look forward to hosting the next generation of champions in a city with a deep love for the game.”
Key dates include a registration deadline of April 15, 2026, for the Cup, followed by the championships from November 10-17, 2026, limited to 48 players—eight per category. Qualification for the championships allocates three spots to Cup winners, four to continental nominations, and one to the organizing federation. All finalists receive free full-board accommodation as personal right players.
Further details are available at wcc2026.fide.com, with inquiries directed to wcc@fide.com. This initiative underscores FIDE's focus on early-stage talent development.
