Finals set at the 6th Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners
Armenia – Mexico 1(men’s section), India 1 – Mexico (women’s section) and India 1 – Serbia (youth section) are set to clash in the finals for the titles. The 6th Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners continued on 14 October with an exciting Championship Round (quarterfinals), bringing together the best teams from Day 1. This stage featured two round-robin groups in each section, with the winners advancing to the finals. Let’s take a look at how the action unfolded on the second day across all three sections. Men’s Section Armenia triumphed in Group A, a 16-team round-robin, scoring match victories against their main rivals – Mongolia 1, Mongolia 2, and India 1 – to secure a spot in the finals. Mongolia 1 had a good run but finished just one point behind. Group B saw the tightest contest of all the quarterfinals. Serbia 2 and Mexico 1 both finished with 10 match points and shared the top position, with the Mexican squad edging out their main rivals on tiebreaks. Women’s Section The six-team round-robin in Group A developed into an exciting race between India 1 and Ukraine. The leaders locked horns in the penultimate round, with India scoring a narrow victory and securing a place in the finals. Group B featured only two teams – Mexico and USA (KS – Topeka) – which played two matches against each other. Mexico convincingly won both, cruising into the finals. Youth Section It all came down to the final round in Group A as India 1 faced Malawi 2, with both teams entering the match with a perfect score. India 1 pulled off a hard-fought victory thanks to wins on boards one and four, battling their way into the final. Serbia was unstoppable in Group B, winning all their matches, including a crucial victory over their main rival, Ecuador 3, which finished second. The action will continue on October 15, with the champions to be decided across all three sections. Finals pairings: Men’s section: Armenia – Mexico 1 (16:00 CEST) Women’s section: India 1 – Mexico (16:00 CEST) Youth section: India 1 – Serbia (12:00 CEST)
World Championships U7–U17 2026: Young talents make their mark in Spain
Surprises and perfect scores shape the opening rounds of the 2026 World Championships U7–U17 With an outstanding turnout of 721 players representing 82 countries, the 2026 FIDE World Championships U7–U17 got underway on October 13 in the coastal town of Roquetas de Mar, in the province of Almería, southern Spain. Running until October 21, the event is jointly organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Spanish Chess Federation and is being held at the Evenia Zoraida Beach Resort. The competition features 12 age categories: Under 7, Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17, with separate Open and Girls sections in each age group. Many national delegations are represented across all six age groups, highlighting the breadth of participation at this year’s championships. Kazakhstan, for example, has players competing in every age category, underlining the importance of the event as a platform for developing young chess talent. As is customary in tournaments of this kind, the championships follow an 11-round Swiss system. The main innovation this year is the time control: each player receives 45 minutes for the entire game, with a 30-second increment per move from move one. Following several successful pilot events, this *fast classical* format is being introduced for the first time in an official youth championship, with all games counting towards FIDE ratings. The new time control aims to offer a more dynamic playing experience while retaining the strategic depth of classical chess. Representing FIDE, Ozgur Solakoglu (Technical Delegate), officially opened the championships, welcoming all participants and wishing them every success and an enjoyable competition. Javier Ochoa de Echagüen, president of the Spanish Chess Federation, acknowledged that many players had travelled long distances to take part in the event. He expressed his hope that they would enjoy their stay at the resort and perform to the best of their abilities over the coming days. Finally, International Arbiter Panagiotis Nikolopoulos reviewed some of the main rules and regulations and reminded players of the tournament schedule. With the formalities completed, he started the clocks for the first of the two rounds scheduled for the opening day. As is customary in Swiss-system tournaments, where the top seeds are generally paired against lower-rated opponents in the early rounds, most of the favourites made a strong start. However, there were a few surprises, particularly in the youngest age groups. The Under 7 Open section is especially unpredictable, with more than half of the participants yet to receive a FIDE rating. With so many players still establishing their competitive strength, the opening rounds offer plenty of scope for unexpected results and emerging talents to make their mark. Under 7 (53 players in the open section and 28 players in the girls’ section) The youngest participants play in a dedicated room adapted to their needs, with a spacious waiting area nearby where parents can easily collect their children as soon as their games finish. After two rounds, the top two seeds in the Under 7 Open section, Spain’s Pau Vizcaya Lopez and Egypt’s Mohab Ahmed Assem, are among a group of 10 players who have won both their games and share the lead with a perfect 2/2 score. In the Girls’ section, five players have also won both games. Uzbekistan’s Malika Ikromova tops the standings on tiebreak. Under 9 (82 players in the open section and 40 players in the girls’ section) In the Girls’ section, second seed Varvara Volkova, competing under the FIDE flag, holds the top position on tiebreak. Five other players have also won their first two games, including Finland’s Stella Zhu, the highest-rated participant in the field. In the Open section, 14 players share the lead with a perfect score after two rounds, headed by Latvia’s Akims Jefimovs. Top seed Wiktor Stankowski of Poland has already dropped half a point and sits just behind the leaders. Under 11 (99 players in the open section and 47 players in the girls’ section) Candidate Master Amirzhan Anetov leads the Under 11 Open section after winning both of his games, with 14 other players close behind on a perfect score. Seeds two to five have all dropped points, underlining the strength of the field and suggesting that several young competitors may be underrated. In the Girls’ section, only six players have maintained a perfect score after two rounds. Israel’s Arbel Ben Ari is the surprise leader on tiebreak, despite being ranked just 43rd among the 47 participants at the start of the tournament. Under 13 (75 players in the open section and 43 players in the girls’ section) WFM Alina Donets, representing Austria, leads the Under 13 Girls’ section on tiebreak, although she shares a perfect score with seven other players. In this category, most of the top seeds have lived up to expectations, demonstrating their strength in the early rounds. The Under 13 Open section is even more tightly contested, with 15 players sharing the lead on 2/2. While the top seeds remain in contention, it is surprise performer Saravanan Keertieshvar, seeded 53rd, who currently tops the standings. Unfortunately, the second and fourth seeds, both FIDE Masters representing Syria, have yet to arrive in Spain. They are expected to join the competition tomorrow, but will have to begin their campaigns from zero points after missing the opening rounds. Under 15 (85 players in the open section and 43 players in the girls’ section) In the Under 15 Open section, 16 players have won both their games, including the six highest-ranked masters in the category. Kazakhstan’s Zhanbolat Amankos deserves special mention after producing one of the biggest upsets of the round by defeating Austria’s FM Florentin Stickler. In the Under 15 Girls’ section, local player Amaya Alfaro Aldunate scored an impressive second-round victory over Turkey’s WCM Arya Aydogan. She is among nine players who have started the tournament with two wins from two games. WFM Aiaru Altynbek currently leads the group on tiebreak. Under 17 (77 players in the open section and 49 players in the
FIDE World Junior U20 Championship in Venezuela: Registration deadline extended
FIDE and the Venezuelan Chess Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of People’s Power for Sport, invite all FIDE Member Federations to participate in the FIDE World Junior U20 Championship to be held in Caracas 17 to 28 November 2026. Each National Federation may register up to two invited players (one per category). Additional players may be sent at the federation’s own expense. Players holding personal participation rights under FIDE Regulations are also eligible as invited players: Top three players of the 2025 World Junior Championships; Continental Junior Champions of the year preceding this edition; Top six Junior U20 players (Open) and top four (Girls) from the FIDE Rating List as of 1 January 2026; World Youth Under-18 and Under-16 Champions of the year preceding this edition By agreement with the Venezuelan organizers, the registration deadline (including visa support requests) has been extended from October 16 to October 30, 2026. All registrations must be submitted through the respective National Federation using the official registration form. Security Measures The Organizing Committee, in close coordination with FIDE, reaffirms its commitment to the well-being of all participants and visitors during their stay in Caracas and announces the following protocols: National Security Measures: Coordination with state security forces to ensure a secure corridor, hotel security, and continuous surveillance of the playing hall. Included Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health and medical insurance for every accredited participant for the duration of the event. Emergency Response Service: Primary medical care center and a 24-hour ambulance at the venue. Controlled Transfers: Official transport exclusively for airport-hotel-airport transfers and tournament-related activities. For further information, please contact: worldjunior@fide.com Attachments: Official statement by the organizing committee of FIDE World Junior U20 Championship (PDF) Registration form (PDF)
Ticket sales for the Salesforce FIDE World Championship are now open
The most anticipated chess event of the year, the match for the world crown, opens on 22 November in Geneva, Switzerland, with the first game scheduled for 24 November. Two 20-year-old prodigies, World Champion Gukesh D of India and Challenger Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan will battle for the World Championship title and the right to be called the leader of their generation. Seeing the players up close, feeling the tension and emotions of the match, and socialising with fellow chess fans and grandmaster guests is an unmatched experience for any chess enthusiast. Ticket sales open today! There are two types of tickets available: the VIP Day Pass, which includes an hour in the playing hall, and the Fan Zone Pass. The Fan Zone will be packed with different activities, simuls, tournaments, master classes and Q&A with grandmasters (on selected days), opportunities to play chess, photo opportunities, and a live broadcast from the playing hall on the big screen. Due to the strictly limited number of VIP Passes, holders will enjoy an exclusive view of the games from the balcony overlooking the playing hall, allowing them to experience its palpable silence. It also grants access to all the perks of the VIP Lounge, including live commentary by GMs Peter Svidler and Peter Leko. The number of tickets is limited, and they will be released in stages with dynamic pricing. So don’t wait until the last moment; get your tickets now! PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE:http://tickets.fide.com/
6th Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners kicks off with record 140 teams
The 6th Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners kicked off on October 13, bringing together incarcerated players from around the world for three days of international online competition. This year’s championship established a new participation record, with 140 teams from 56 countries registered for the event. The championship is held in men’s, women’s, and youth sections, with teams competing across multiple groups and time zones. The time control is 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment, starting from move one. Organised by FIDE and the Cook County (Chicago, IL, USA) Sheriff’s Office, the championship demonstrates how chess can be used as an educational and social tool in correctional facilities. Since the first Intercontinental Championship in 2021, the initiative has expanded across six continents, promoting critical thinking, emotional control, teamwork, and skills that support reintegration into society. The opening online ceremony featured FIDE President Timur Turlov and Acting Chair of the FIDE Management Board, Dana Reizniece, who warmly welcomed all the participants. “We all know that in chess, one mistake can change the course of a game. But we also know that one mistake does not necessarily decide the final result. There is always another game to play. Life is much more complicated than chess, of course. But perhaps chess can teach us something important about life: our past moves matter, but they do not have to determine every move that follows,” the FIDE President said. https://youtu.be/q5uazaCgh2U “You know, a chess game itself is a little bit paradoxical. When you look at the board, it seems to be very restricted or limited. It’s only 64 squares, black and white, and the board itself is not too big. But when you start playing, you understand that the game does not have borders, does not have walls, and does not have limits, and it gives us such a sense of freedom and unity. This is something that I hope you experience and feel at this tournament again,” Dana Reizniece said. https://youtu.be/DKdcm9s47Zo On the first day of the championship, the teams, consisting of four players (with an unlimited number of substitutes), were divided into groups according to their time zones. In the men’s competition, each group of eight teams played a round-robin tournament, with the two best squads qualifying for the Championship Stage. In the women’s and youth sections, the number of teams in each group varied from four to eight. After heated battles on the virtual boards on Day 1, the following teams advanced to the next stage: Men’s Section Group 1: Mongolia 1 and Philippines 3 (Victorias) Group 2: India 2 and Mongolia 3 Group 3: Mongolia 2 and India 1 Group 4: Ukraine and Serbia 3 Group 5: Serbia 4 and Slovenia Group 6: Zimbabwe and Malawi 2 (Zomba) Group 7: Armenia and Romania 2 Group 8: Latvia 1 and England Group 9: Norway 1 (Froland) and Serbia 2 Group 10: USA – Chicago and Mexico 3 Group 11: Colombia and Dominican Republic Group 12: Mexico 1 and Argentina Notably, Mongolia 1, Ukraine, Serbia 4, Armenia, Colombia, and Mexico 1 achieved a perfect match score, winning all their Day 1 matches. Women’s Section Group 1: India 1 and Mongolia Group 2: Malawi and Zimbabwe Group 3: Ukraine and Georgia 1 Group 4: USA – KS – Topeka and Guyana India dominated its group, sweeping all its matches, while Ukraine dropped just half a point across twelve games. Youth Section Group 1: India 1 and India 3 Group 2: Malawi 2 and Serbia Group 3: Ukraine and Ghana Group 4: Ecuador 3 and Ecuador 1 Group 5: Ecuador 5 and USA Malawi 2, Ecuador 3, and Ecuador 5 delivered dominant performances, winning all their matches. Susan Namangale, Councillor of the FIDE Planning and Development Commission, who visited one of the facilities, shared her impressions of the Malawian teams’ results on the first day of the competition. “I am glad that three teams qualified for the quarterfinals, with Bvumbwe Youth finishing in 1st position in their group, beating Romania, Serbia, and Kenya. Zomba finished second, beating all teams and only losing to Zimbabwe in their group, while Kachere Women only lost to Romania, emerging in 2nd position. Thank you, Airtel Malawi, for supporting the event with internet; Ray Cee Tech for subsidising the hiring cost for the laptops; Malawi Prisons Service for the logistics and all support to bring the Mzimba and Kachere teams; all the prison patrons who worked hard; and my team for a good job. I am very proud of building this program from nothing to what it is now.” Malawi is among the countries with the highest number of registered teams, both in Africa and across the globe, demonstrating the growing interest in chess within correctional facilities. The Championship Round (quarterfinals) promises more tightly contested matches and exciting games. The top two teams from each of the two groups in each section will advance to the finals, while the second-place finishers will play for bronze.
Greek Championship 2026: Evgenios Ioannidis and Stavroula Tsolakidou win titles
GM Evgenios Ioannidis and IM Stavroula Tsolakidou are the new Greek chess champions. Ioannidis claimed his maiden national crown, while Tsolakidou won her second title. The 75th edition of the Greek Championship (open section) took place from October 3 to 11, 2026 on the island of Psara. Organized by the Greek Chess Federation (ESO) in cooperation with the Korydallos Chess Club and with the support of the Municipality of Psara, the competition brought together ten of the country’s top players in a single round-robin tournament with classical time control. The competition turned into an exciting race between two-time champion GM Ioannis Nikolaidis (pictured above, center) and Evgenios Ioannidis (pictured below), who entered the final round sharing the lead on 6/8. As fate would have it, they faced each other there, making it an ultimate battle for gold. Ioannidis won what was arguably the most important game of his career to capture the title. Nikolaidis and FM Michail Vassis finished on 6/9, with Nikolaidis taking silver on tiebreak. Open section final standings Top seed Tsolakidou dominated the 48th Greek Women’s Chess Championship, held from October 4 to 12 in Porto Cheli. The only IM in the field, she scored an impressive 8/9, dropping just two draws. Second-rated FM Anastasia Avramidou also had a strong tournament (6.5/9), claiming silver and, like the champion, completing the event undefeated. FM Maria Tsakona finished third with 5.5/9 to take the bronze medal. Women’s section final standings Photos: official website Official website: https://chessfed.gr/grchamps2026/
FIDE General Assembly adopts resolution on shorter time controls: What it means
The FIDE General Assembly has formally supported a resolution based on a proposal by the Icelandic Chess Federation concerning shorter time controls in classical chess. However, the adoption of the resolution does not mean that the regulations change immediately. Under the FIDE Charter, the General Assembly is empowered to approve general guidelines for FIDE activities, while amendments to specific rules and regulations fall within the competence of the FIDE Council. The Council will therefore prepare and submit a framework for discussion and approval that implements shorter time controls while allowing for further analysis of their impact. Under the proposed approach, the use of 60 minutes plus 30 seconds per move (60+30) would no longer require special approval. In certain cases, 45+30 would also be permitted. At the same time, two important limitations would remain in place: no more than two games per day for tournaments counting towards titles and norms, and no more than one norm obtained in a tournament played with a shortened classical time control. Two different sets of requirements Chess regulations distinguish between two sets of requirements that are often confused. For titles and norms, no more than two games per day are permitted. The reason is straightforward: playing more than two classical games in one day inevitably affects the quality of play, while classical chess, by definition, requires sufficient time for deep thought and considered decisions. For rating purposes only, the restriction is different: no more than 12 hours of play per day. Within this limit, more than two games may be played. This distinction is important. Titles and norms represent some of the most valuable sporting achievements in chess, which is why they are subject to stricter requirements than games submitted for rating alone. In other words, the two-round-per-day limit applies to titles and norms, not to rating as such. Background Traditionally, the minimum time control for high-level classical tournaments has been 90 minutes for the game plus 30 seconds per move (90+30). In 2026, FIDE introduced a one-year pilot project allowing tournaments, subject to approval by the Qualification Commission, to use 60+30 and, in certain exceptional cases 45+30 while still having the games rated as classical. The pilot responded to practical considerations, including the need to reduce organisational costs and make classical tournaments easier to organise for both players and event organisers. At the same time, an important restriction was introduced: a player may count a maximum of one title norm obtained in a tournament with a shortened classical time control. The remaining norms must be achieved under the regular 90+30 control. The Icelandic Chess Federation proposal and the General Assembly decision The Icelandic Chess Federation proposed two major changes: making 45+30 a standard classical time control that would not require special approval; allowing three games per day. The Qualification Commission opposed the proposal and recommended that it should not be supported. The FIDE Council instead proposed a compromise: 60+30 would become a guaranteed time control, while 45+30 would remain an exception. Nevertheless, the General Assembly formally supported the Icelandic proposal, with 33 votes in favour, and the resolution is therefore considered adopted. There is, however, an important procedural distinction. The General Assembly sets the general direction, while specific regulatory changes are developed and approved through the FIDE Council. It is also clear that fundamental permanent changes of this kind require broad consensus. FIDE represents more than 200 national federations, and any long-term reform of classical chess regulations should therefore be considered through wide consultation across the chess community. What the FIDE Council plans to propose The Council’s approach is based on a simple principle: the requirements should reflect the level of the tournament and the quality of play that can reasonably be expected. 60+30 as a general ruleThe Council proposes making 60+30 a guaranteed classical time control, requiring no approval from the Qualification Commission or any other body. Any organiser would be able to use it without requesting special permission. 45+30 for FIDE Circuit tournamentsThe Council proposes automatically permitting 45+30 for tournaments included in the FIDE Circuit and meeting its requirements. These are established, high-level competitions featuring professional players, and the Council considers that a shorter control in such events would not undermine the integrity of classical chess. Organisers would nevertheless be encouraged to take into account the views of players and the specific circumstances of each event. 45+30 for tournaments without players rated 2400 or aboveThe Council also proposes automatically allowing 45+30 in tournaments where no participant has a rating of 2400 or higher. Such events may already use 60+30 under the current framework, so this would represent a moderate adjustment rather than a fundamental change. No special approval requiredIn the cases above, the shorter time control would apply automatically, without a separate decision by the Qualification Commission. Two games per day for titles remainFor tournaments counting towards norms and titles, the two-round-per-day limit would remain in place. FIDE considers that it is difficult to maintain the necessary quality of classical chess if players are required to play more than two serious games in one day. Direct Titles under review The FIDE Council has also asked the Qualification Commission to review the requirements for tournaments awarding Direct Titles. The concern is that norms may become easier to obtain under shorter time controls. A norm achieved at 45+30 is not necessarily equivalent, in sporting terms, to one achieved at 90+30. The Commission will therefore consider whether requirements such as minimum ratings, the number of participants, and the treatment of norms obtained under faster time controls should be adjusted in order to protect the value of international titles. Openness and next steps The FIDE Council confirms that the General Assembly resolution is being respected and that work on its implementation has already begun. In the near future, the Council intends to approve a formal amendment making 60+30 a guaranteed classical time control. On the remaining issues, the Qualification Commission will be asked to present the arguments both for and against the proposed changes. In line
2026 FIDE General Assembly: List of decisions
FIDE General Assembly September 26-27, 2026 Samarkand, Uzbekistan List of decisions GA-2026/01 To approve the Electoral Commission’s report. GA-2026/02 To elect three Scrutineers: Ms. Nina Rob (SLO), Mr. Francisco J Cruz Arce (PUR), Mr. Sidi Mohammed Tajedine (MTN), with Mr. Rajai N. Al-Susi (PLE) as a substitute. GA-2026/03 To elect Mr. Timur Turlov as FIDE President and Mr. Viswanathan Anand as FIDE Deputy President. GA-2026/04 To elect the following for FIDE Vice-Presidents: Ms. Yuhua Xu (CHN), Mr. Michael Khodarkovsky (USA), Mr. Pavel Kolobkov (RUS), Mr. Yassin Souleiman Hassan (DJI). GA-2026/05 To approve the FIDE Treasurer’s report. GA-2026/06 To approve the Verification Commission’s report. GA-2026/07 To discharge the Treasurer from the responsibilities for the financial year 2025. GA-2026/08 To re-appoint Ernst & Young as External Auditor for annual audit of FIDE accounts for 2026. GA-2026/09 To note the FIDE President’s decision to appoint Mr. Jorge Arias (URU) as Secretary of the Constitutional Commission. GA-2026/10 To elect Mr. Francois Strydom (RSA) as a Member of the Constitutional Commission. GA-2026/11 To note the results of the completed elections in Zones and Continents. GA-2026/12 To instruct the FIDE Council to prepare the FIDE budget for 2027 and the provisional FIDE budget for 2028, and to submit them for review at an Extraordinary General Assembly to be convened in late 2026. GA-2026/13 To elect the following FIDE President’s nominations: Mr. Luigi Maggi (ITA) – Treasurer, Ms. Bouchra Kadiri (MAR) – Vice-President/Secretary of the FIDE Council, Mr. Mahir Mammedov (AZE) – Vice-President, Ms. Carol S. Williams Pesqueira (ARU) – Vice-President, Mr. Mykhailo Podolyak (UKR) – Vice-President. GA-2026/14 To note the FIDE President’s decision to nominate the following Honorary Vice-Presidents of FIDE: Mr. Rustam Kasimdzhanov (UZB), Mr. Javier Ochoa De Echaguen (ESP), Mr. Fouad Fahmi Darwish (UAE), and Mr. Michael Stoettinger (AUT). GA-2026/15 To confirm the suspension of the Chess Federation of Russia. GA-2026/16 To confirm the suspension of the Chess Federation of Rwanda. GA-2026/17 To approve the proposed amendments of Articles 18-23 of the FIDE Charter. GA-2026/18 To note the readiness of the Qatar Chess Association and the Georgia Chess Federation to host the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2030 along with the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities 2030 and FIDE Congress 2030. To instruct the FIDE Management Board to conduct negotiations with the Qatar Chess Association and, subject to the provision of official organizational and financial guarantees, to inform FIDE Council and sign the respective contract upon the formal approval. To note that in the event the official guarantees are not provided and the contract is not signed within the reasonable timeframe, the right to sign the contract shall pass to the Georgia Chess Federation, subject to the provision of the corresponding organizational and financial guarantees. To submit the final candidate for a formal approval to the Extraordinary General Assembly of FIDE, which will convene in late 2026. GA-2026/19 To reject the proposed amendment of Article 11 of the FIDE Charter. GA-2026/20 To instruct the FIDE Council to finalize the draft amendments to the FIDE Electoral Rules regarding nominations of the Counsellor and to submit the revised version for consideration at an Extraordinary General Assembly of FIDE, which will convene in late 2026. GA-2026/21 To approve the amendments to the FIDE Charter proposed by AIDEF regarding the inclusion of Article 5.7. GA-2026/22 To approve the Icelandic Chess Federation’s proposal regarding Fast Standard time limits.
2026 3rd FIDE Council Meeting: List of decisions
3rd FIDE Council Meeting September 21, 2026 List of decisions CM3-2026/01 To note Interim President’s report. CM3-2026/02 To approve Treasurer’s report. CM3-2026/03 To note the Global Strategy Commission’ Report. CM3-2026/04 To note the Arbiters’ Commission’s report CM3-2026/05 To approve the recommendations of the Arbiters’ Commission on Seminars, Classification upgrades, Amendments to the lecturer list, FA norms and titles. CM3-2026/06 To note the Qualification Commission’s report. CM3-2026/07 To confirm that the winners of the World Youth Championship U7-U17 2026 (Spain) will be awarded the titles in accordance with the current Direct Titles table. To ask the QC to prepare general recommendations on the applicability of the Direct Titles Table in respect of world championships held with fast classical time control. CM3-2026/08 To approve the recommendations of the Qualification Commission on titles. CM3-2026/09 To approve the recommendations of the Trainers’ Commission on titles and Academies. CM3-2026/10 To approve the recommendations of the Events Commission on titles. CM3-2026/11 To note the Chess in Education Commission’s report. CM3-2026/12 To approve the recommendations of the Chess in Education Commission on titles. CM3-2026/13 To note the Social Commission’s report. CM3-2026/14 To note the Technical Commission’s report. CM3-2026/15 To note the Constitutional Commission’s report. CM3-2026/16 To note the Continental Presidents’ reports. CM3-2026/17 To approve the proposed ACC distribution of World Cup slots for 2026 for Africa; to confirm that FIDE will support the formation of the prize fund for the three approved Regional events; and to take note that, in accordance with the current rules, all winners of qualification tournaments granting a direct spot in the World Cup are entitled to Direct Title in accordance with the Table. CM3-2026/18 – To note the letter of the Ukrainian Chess Federation and to instruct FIDE Office to send a formal answer. CM3-2026/19 To recommend the General Assembly to support the updated proposal of AIDEF. CM3-2026/20To recommend the General Assembly to award Honorary Member title for Messrs. C. Abundo, G. Makropoulos and E. Torre, and Friend of FIDE for Mr. Bessel Kok. CM3-2026/21 To approve the final version of the FIDE General Assembly 2026 Agenda.
Media accreditation for the Salesforce FIDE World Championship is now open
The Salesforce FIDE World Chess Championship begins on November 22, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland. The first of 14 games between World Champion Gukesh D of India and Challenger Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan will be played on November 24. Two 20-year-old prodigies will battle for the most prestigious title in chess. Media accreditation for the event is now open. To apply, please complete the digital form on the match website. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by our team. If approved, you will receive a separate confirmation email. Please note that there will be no on-site registration desk at the venue. The online form is the only way to obtain media accreditation. Accreditation will remain open throughout the championship. However, we cannot guarantee timely processing of last-minute applications, so we strongly encourage media representatives to apply in advance. Press accreditation is reserved for professional journalists and media representatives working on behalf of bona fide media organisations. A limited number of accreditations may also be granted to independent writers, bloggers, YouTubers and freelance reporters. If you have previously covered FIDE events, you can expect the usual accreditation procedures and media policies. If this is your first FIDE event, we strongly recommend reading the detailed media guidelines available here. Apply for Media Accreditation: https://worldchampionship.fide.com/media