Starting in 2026, FIDE is introducing a new and exciting championship cycle for the Under 8, Under 10, and Under 12 age categories, with the aim of strengthening the global pathway for young players and increasing the clarity and prestige of FIDE youth competitions.
Under this new structure, the FIDE World Cadets Cup U8-U12 serves as a unique and qualifying event of the cycle, while the FIDE World Cadets Championships U8, U10, and U12, held later in the year, represent the final stage where world titles are decided. This distinction is central to the updated cycle and ensures greater clarity for federations, players, and parents.
As part of this update, the event previously known as the World Cadet Championship U8-U12 has been renamed the FIDE World Cadets Cup U8-U12. While the competitive format and playing conditions remain unchanged, the new name reflects the event’s role as a global, merit-based competition that brings together the strongest young players from around the world and acts as a gateway to the World Cadets Championships later in the year.
The inaugural edition of the FIDE World Cadets Cup under this new structure will take place from June 15-28, 2026 in Batumi, Georgia, and will follow the same proven system used in recent editions of the World Cadet Championships, with separate tournaments for boys and girls in the U8, U10, and U12 categories.
Who can play?
Each national federation is entitled to nominate one invited player per age category and gender, for a total of up to six players, along with one head of delegation holding a valid FIDE ID. In addition to these federation nominations, invited players also include those who finished in first to third place at the previous World Cadets Championships and World Cadets Cup, as well as the champions of the most recent Continental Cadet Championships.
National federations may also register additional players and accompanying persons, subject to confirmation by the Organizing Committee, with all related costs covered by the federation, while FIDE-affiliated organizations may register players too and FIDE-endorsed chess academies may do so through their respective national federations.
Venue
Batumi provides an ideal setting for this global youth event. The city has a strong track record of hosting major international competitions, including the 2018 Chess Olympiad and recent top-level FIDE events, and benefits from Georgia’s deep-rooted chess culture and extensive organisational experience. The proven ability of Georgian Chess Federation and local organisers to deliver world-class events makes Batumi a trusted and familiar destination for federations and players alike.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Akaki Iashvili, Chair of the FIDE Events Commission and President of the Georgian Chess Federation, said: “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.”
FIDE member federations are kindly reminded that the registration deadline for the FIDE World Cup U8-U12 is April 15, 2026.
Important dates of the cycle
- April 15, 2026 Deadline for federation registration for FIDE World Cup U8-U12
- June 15-28, 2026 FIDE World Cup U8-U12
- November 10-17, 2026 FIDE World Cadet Championships U8, U10, U12 with only 48 players in total
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)
For any additional queries, federations may contact the organisers directly at wcc@fide.com.
The FIDE World Cup U8-U12 marks an important step in reinforcing the international competitive pathway for young players and underlines FIDE’s continued commitment to developing chess talent from the earliest stages on the global stage.
FIDE World Cadets Championship U8, U10, U12
It is important to note that the FIDE World Cadets Championships U8, U10, and U12, held later in the year (November, 10-17), are a final-stage event with a limited field. A total of 48 players will participate, with only eight players per each of the six age categories.
All participants in the World Cadets Championships qualify as personal right players and receive free full-board accommodation. Qualification places are allocated as follows:
3 spots – the three winners of the FIDE Cadets World Cup
4 spots – one nomination from each continent. The nominations shall be sent by the continental President’s offices.
1 spot – nomination from the organizing federation
This structure ensures that the World Cadets Championships bring together the very strongest performers from the global qualification pathway.