The clock is ticking for the world’s brightest young chess talents. FIDE and the Georgian Chess Federation are pleased to announce that the 2026 World Cadet Championships will take place in the Black Sea resort of Batumi, Georgia, from November 21 to 29, 2026.
Forty-eight of the planet’s best young players, split across six categories (Open and Girls Under-8, Under-10, and Under-12), will compete in a high-stakes round-robin format over 7 rounds. The time control is 90 minutes per player, plus a 30-second increment starting from move one.
All 48 participants are invited players with personal rights, entitling them to free full-board accommodation for the duration of the Championship.
Player selection for the 2026 World Cadet Championships is as follows:
- 3 spots – The three winners of the 2026 World Cup U8-U12.
- 4 spots – One nomination from each continent. Nominations shall be sent by the Continental Presidents’ offices.
- 1 spot – Nomination from the organizing federation
If a participating federation does not register an invited player for any reason, or if a continent does not accept the invitation by the deadline, the spots will become FIDE EVE wildcards. The deadline for registration is October 12, 2026.
In addition to the FIDE titles and medals, the top three players in each category will be awarded a cup, medal, diploma, and a brand-new Apple device. Every participant will receive an official certificate to commemorate their journey.
National Federations must handle the registration process for participants and accompanying persons and shall be responsible for the expenses of coaches and parents.
Incomplete or individual registrations will not be accepted; only official federation forms submitted by October 12 will be considered.
For full details, visa information, and the official registration form, please visit:
For full details, visa information, and the official registration form, visit:
https://wcc2026.fide.com
Or contact: wcc@fide.com