Starting in 2026, FIDE is introducing a revamped and elevated championship cycle for the Under 8, Under 10, and Under 12 age categories to make it more attractive, interesting and prestigious.
The World Championship U8-U12 (formerly the World Cadet Championship) has been renamed the FIDE World Cup for Youngsters, with competitive conditions remaining unchanged.
The 2026 FIDE World Cup U8-U12 will be held from June 15-28 in Batumi, Georgia, following the same system as the last year’s World Cadet Championship U8, U10, U12.
Every national federation can register one invited player per category (under 8, 10, and 12, both Boys and Girls). The total of six players and one head of delegation with valid FIDE ID are invited by the Organizer. The players placed 1-3 in the previous U8, U10, U12 World Cadets Championships & World Cadets Cup, and the respective champions (1st ranked) of the last Continental Cadet Championships also will be considered as the invited players.
On a rest day (June 22), participants can take part in several side activities. These include a Delegation Coaches Blitz Tournament with a substantial prize fund of €4,000, the Chess Composition championship, engaging excursions, and a football match between FIDE and Georgian Chess Federation.
Special prizes await the top finishers across all six playing categories. The top three players in each category will receive awards, including Cups, Medals, Diplomas, and gadgets such as the latest models of MacBook Air, iPhone, or iPad (depending on placement).
In addition, the first, second, and third-place winners of each age and gender category will receive free full board accommodation for the FIDE World Championships U8, U10, U12 later in the same year.
FIDE member federations shall complete the registration of the World Cup participants by April 15, 2026.
World Championships U8, U10, U12 Invitation letter will be published in due time as the tournament is scheduled for November 10-17.
More information about the FIDE World Cup U8-U12 can be found on the official website: wcc2026.fide.com/
Regulations for FIDE World Cadets’ Championship Cycle 2026 (PDF)
The official email: wcc@fide.com