FIDE and ISCF announce dates for African and American Continental Stages of the World Schools Team Championship 2026
FIDE and ISCF announce dates for African and American Continental Stages of the World Schools Team Championship 2026 FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) are pleased to announce the dates for the African and American Continental stages of the World Schools Team Championship 2026 (WSTC 2026). As part of the global WSTC cycle, continental events bring together leading school teams from around the world, with best teams qualifying for the Grand Final at the end of the year. African Continental StageCape Town, South AfricaJuly 6–11, 2026 (arrival: July 6, departure: July 11) American Continental StageSan Jose, Costa RicaAugust 11–16, 2026 (arrival: August 11, departure: August 16) Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President: “We are delighted to launch two new continental school championships in Africa and the Americas as part of our Year of Chess in Education. These regions are emerging chess hubs with tremendous potential. In recent years, we have seen significant progress in their chess infrastructure and school programs, and these championships will help drive that growth even further. FIDE will continue to provide support as part of our long-term strategy to expand the game beyond its traditional centers.” Timur Turlov, ISCF President:“I am very pleased to see the expansion of continental school championships to Africa and the Americas. These initiatives are an important step in strengthening youth engagement and building sustainable chess ecosystems in both regions. I look forward to the upcoming events in Cape Town in July and San Jose in August, which will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of players.” The format and competition regulations remain consistent across all continental stages. Each event will be played in a team format under official FIDE regulations, ensuring a high level of sporting and organizational standards. Each participating team must consist of: four main players one reserve one non-playing captain Teams are required to include both boys and girls (with limited exceptions for single-gender schools), and all players must meet the age eligibility criteria as outlined in the Regulations. In line with the Year of Chess in Education 2026, each continental stage will also feature an educational programme alongside the competition, including masterclasses, workshops, and cultural exchange activities. National federations are kindly invited to plan their national selection processes and prepare their teams for participation. Registration for both events will open in due course. Further details, including invitation letters and logistical information, will be published soon. Regulations, schedule (PDF) For inquiries, please contact: worldschoolteam@fide.com Official website: https://worldschoolteam2026.fide.com/
Freedom Holding Corp becomes FIDE Partner for 2026 chess programmes
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the investment company Freedom Holding Corp have signed a Memorandum on cooperation focused on global promotion, development, and accessibility of chess. Freedom Holding Corp will serve as an official Partner of FIDE in chess development programmes in 2026. The cooperation covers four areas and includes: a) Organisation and sponsorship of international, continental, and regional chess tournaments b) Provision of financial and material support to players, coaches, and training centres across all continents c) Implementation of chess educational programmes with financial support d) Talent scouting programmes and initiatives through financial support The agreement covers the period from April 6 to December 31, 2026, with both parties viewing it as the first step in a broader long term cooperation.. Both FIDE and Freedom Holding Corp have committed to working in good faith for the benefit of chess development worldwide. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Freedom Holding Corp has already contributed significant financial support for elite and school chess in recent years, recognising the importance of chess in education, cognitive development, and cultural exchange. As the official Partner, Freedom Holding will support FIDE’s ongoing initiatives and strategic goals to broaden the reach of chess, building a greater, stronger, and more inclusive chess community. “Freedom Holding Corp and its CEO, Mr. Timur Turlov, have been strong supporters of chess in recent years, recognising the value and high potential of the sport. In a year when FIDE is staging many of our most important events, we are strengthening our existing bond and laying a foundation for a better and more prosperous global chess community,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said. More details on the projects and the funding will be released in due course.
School chess unites continents: Winners crowned at Asian Continental Stage of World Schools Team Championship 2026
The Asian Continental Stage of the World Schools Team Championship 2026 concluded in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with Wisdom School (Tashkent, Uzbekistan) claiming victory and securing a berth in the Grand Final scheduled for December 2026. The top Kazakh team, SEED Uniker School (Astana), finished fourth. Organised by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Akimat of Almaty – with Freedom Holding Corp as General Partner – the tournament took place from April 7-10, 2026 at the Kazakhstan Hotel. It brought together 114 young players aged 8 to 14 from 19 countries, competing in an 8-round Swiss system with a time control of 45 minutes plus a 10-second increment. The entire event embraced a space theme in honour of Cosmonautics Day on 12 April. On the final day, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and Kazakh cosmonaut and National Hero of Kazakhstan Aydyn Aimbetov made the ceremonial first move – a symbolic gesture highlighting the shared values of chess and space exploration: strategic thinking, teamwork, and the pursuit of new horizons. “This tournament has become a true example of the promising future of chess on our continent and the potential of educational systems. We all understand and value the importance of education, especially at the school level. In FIDE, 2026 has been declared the Year of Chess in Education, and school team championships hold a special place among the key events of this initiative. This year, numerous conferences, seminars, and tournaments are taking place, all dedicated to promoting the positive role of chess in early development,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. Final standings (average rating in parentheses): Wisdom School (Tashkent, Uzbekistan) (2024) – 16 match points Kurchatov School (Moscow, Russia) (2275) – 14 Velammal MHS School (Chennai, India) (1908) – 12 SEED Uniker School (Astana) (2023) – 10 (EMGSB – 141) Bashu Secondary School (Chongqing, China) (1722) – 10 (132) RFMSH (Almaty) (1676) – 10 (116) Maliyadeva College (Kurunegala, Sri Lanka) (1602) – 10 (95) Bolovsrol Secondary School (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia) (1616) – 9 ACG Sunderland (Auckland, New Zealand) (1834) – 8 (157) Lyceum School No. 173 (Almaty) (1818) – 8 (143) In case of a tie, Extended Direct Encounter (EDE) was applied first, followed by EMGSB (Extended Sonneborn-Berger). In addition to team awards, gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded to the best players on each board (based on performance percentage). Among them were two Kazakhstani juniors. Organised by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Akimat of Almaty – with Freedom Holding Corp as General Partner – the tournament took place from April 7-10, 2026 at the Kazakhstan Hotel. It brought together 114 young players aged 8 to 14 from 19 countries, competing in an 8-round Swiss system with a time control of 45 minutes plus a 10-second increment. The entire event embraced a space theme in honour of Cosmonautics Day on 12 April. On the final day, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and Kazakh cosmonaut and National Hero of Kazakhstan Aydyn Aimbetov made the ceremonial first move – a symbolic gesture highlighting the shared values of chess and space exploration: strategic thinking, teamwork, and the pursuit of new horizons. The closing ceremony on 10 April at the Kazakhstan Hotel featured distinguished guests including FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhuldyz Suleimenova, Deputy Akim of Almaty Nurlan Abdrakhim, and President of the International School Chess Federation and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation Timur Turlov. The closing ceremony on 10 April at the Kazakhstan Hotel featured distinguished guests including FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhuldyz Suleimenova, Deputy Akim of Almaty Nurlan Abdrakhim, and President of the International School Chess Federation and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation Timur Turlov. “The Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has identified the formation of an intellectual nation as one of the country’s key strategic priorities. Today’s tournament clearly demonstrates the consistent implementation of this policy. Chess has firmly entered both the academic curriculum and extracurricular activities, becoming an important part of the modern school environment. It develops strategic and logical thinking and strengthens discipline among young people,” said Minister Zhuldyz Suleimenova. She also noted the successful implementation of the “Chess in Education” program in partnership with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. The ceremony included a performance by Junior Eurovision participant Karakat Bashanova. During her song, the lights were turned off, and the audience raised LED bracelets, creating a sky of hundreds of glowing “stars.” Organizers emphasized: “If stars are lit, it means someone needs them,” symbolizing that every child present is a future star. The event culminated in a symbolic handover to Africa – the next continental stage – marked by a countdown and hundreds of paper airplanes launched by the audience. “Kazakhstan is building open and friendly connections with the world,” said Timur Turlov. “I hope our tournament has contributed to this process. We are very glad that our international guests experienced genuine Kazakh hospitality and discovered Almaty. I believe the connections formed here will stay with these young players for years to come.” The closing ceremony on 10 April at the Kazakhstan Hotel featured distinguished guests including FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhuldyz Suleimenova, Deputy Akim of Almaty Nurlan Abdrakhim, and President of the International School Chess Federation and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation Timur Turlov. “The Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has identified the formation of an intellectual nation as one of the country’s key strategic priorities. Today’s tournament clearly demonstrates the consistent implementation of this policy. Chess has firmly entered both the academic curriculum and extracurricular activities, becoming an important part of the modern school environment. It develops strategic and logical thinking and strengthens discipline among young people,” said Minister Zhuldyz Suleimenova. She also noted the successful implementation of the “Chess in Education” program in partnership with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. Two memorandums were also signed
Asia Makes Its Move: Asian Stage of the World Schools Team Championship 2026 Kicks Off in Almaty
Press ReleaseAsia Makes Its Move: Asian Stage of the World Schools Team Championship 2026 Kicks Off in Almaty From April 7 to 10, 2026, Almaty hosts Asia’s premier school chess event. The Asian Continental Stage of the World Schools Team Championship 2026 has officially begun — the first tournament of its kind, organized by FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) with the support of генерального партнёра Freedom Holding Corp. This marks the launch of a new global cycle. Four continents will host their own stages, with winners earning direct qualification to the Grand Final in December 2026. There, the strongest school teams in the world will compete for the world championship title. The Asian stage opens the cycle and sets the tone for the season. The year 2026 has been declared by FIDE and ISCF as the Year of Chess in Education — a global initiative highlighting the role of chess in developing critical thinking, strategy, concentration, memory, discipline, and teamwork. President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Arkady Dvorkovich addressed participants in a video message: “Our goal is simple: we want to integrate chess into school systems around the world. We engage with governments, collaborate with international organizations, and organize school tournaments and conferences to demonstrate that chess is not just a game, but a powerful educational tool. The competition is not just a tournament stage — it also includes educational workshops and masterclasses. I hope you take full advantage of these opportunities.” At the same time, Arkady Dvorkovich is in Cyprus attending one of the most prestigious events in the global chess calendar — the Candidates Tournament 2026, where the world’s top players compete for the right to challenge the World Champion. Among them is Bibisara Assaubayeva. Meanwhile, in Almaty, Timur Turlov opened the Asian Stage of the World Schools Team Championship — a tournament where future stars of world chess are born. Symbolically, the event takes place on the eve of Cosmonautics Day (April 12). The theme is truly “cosmic”: young players from different countries are making their first strategic moves that, like space exploration, open new horizons of thinking, teamwork, and intellectual growth. Chess teaches you to think several moves ahead — just as dreams of space inspire generations to achieve breakthroughs. The organizers of the Asian stage include the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akimat of Almaty, the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation led by its President Timur Turlov. He noted: “Kazakhstan is not opening the global season of school chess by chance. Over the past three years, we have built a system that has turned chess into a полноценный element of the national educational environment — with its own methodology, trained teachers, and a strong regional network. The pace of development of school chess here is among the fastest in the region. With the support of the President, we have not only launched the initiative but expanded it nationwide. Today, more than 60,000 children are systematically engaged in chess in schools, and this number continues to grow. We see real interest from students and parents, which confirms strong social demand and long-term potential. It is therefore natural that the Asian Stage of the World Schools Team Championship is held in Almaty.” The organizers of the Asian stage include the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akimat of Almaty, the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation led by its President Timur Turlov. He noted: “Kazakhstan is not opening the global season of school chess by chance. Over the past three years, we have built a system that has turned chess into a full-fledged element of the national educational environment — with its own methodology, trained teachers, and a strong regional network. The pace of development of school chess here is among the fastest in the region. With the support of the President, we have not only launched the initiative but expanded it nationwide. Today, more than 60,000 children are systematically engaged in chess in schools, and this number continues to grow. We see real interest from students and parents, which confirms strong social demand and long-term potential. It is therefore natural that the Asian Stage of the World Schools Team Championship is held in Almaty.” The official opening ceremony took place today, followed by the first two rounds of play. The tournament consists of eight rounds played under the Swiss system, with two rounds per day. The time control is 45+10 (45 minutes per game with a 10-second increment per move starting from move one). Teams earn 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. A total of 26 school teams from 19 countries are participating, including Australia, India, China, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, and countries from Central and South Asia, among others. All participants are students aged 8–14. Teams represent general education schools only — chess academies, specialized clubs, and mixed teams are not allowed. Each team consists of four main players and one reserve. The tournament features some of the strongest school teams, including prize-winners of previous world competitions, ensuring a highly competitive field. In addition to the main competition, organizers have prepared an extensive side program. Children will take part in interactive workshops and entertainment activities, while parents and local chess enthusiasts can attend masterclasses led by leading coaches and grandmasters. Dedicated educational sessions are also organized for teachers and parents, reinforcing the tournament’s educational mission. A special highlight is a social initiative in partnership with Duolingo India: ISCF has granted a Wild Card to a girls’ team from underprivileged communities, for whom this tournament represents a meaningful step beyond their usual environment. The program also includes exhibition matches and interactive experiences such as Quantum Chess. On April 9, a joint event with QJ League and Footlab will take place, featuring a tour of a football
Asian Continental stage of WSTC 2026
Team Composition & Eligibility FIDE ISCF World School Team Championship 2026 (WSTC 2026) FIDE and the International School Chess Federation invite all FIDE member federations from Asia to participate in the Asian Continental stage of the World Schools Team Championship 2026 (WSTC 2026). The championship is held with the support of its General Sponsor, Freedom Holding Corp., whose contribution strengthens the development of school chess and international educational initiatives. The competition will take place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from April 6 (arrival) to April 11 (departure), 2026, at the Hotel Kazakhstan. The winning team will earn the title of Asian Continental School Team Champion and qualify directly for the WSTC 2026 Grand Final, where four continental champions will compete for the title of FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Champion 2026. Team Composition & Eligibility Each team must consist of: four main players one reserve one non-playing captain Each team must include at least one boy and one girl (with limited exceptions for single-gender schools). Eligible players must be born between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2018. National federations are responsible for verifying that participating children are enrolled in the school they represent during the 2025–2026 academic year. Participation & Support In accordance with the event framework, a number of teams will receive organizer support, including: full-board accommodation airport and local transfers economy-class flights for designated supported teams Detailed conditions are outlined in the official Invitation and Regulations. Educational Programme In line with the Year of Chess in Education 2026, the championship will feature an educational programme alongside the competition, including: masterclasses by leading chess players and educators interactive workshops side events promoting cultural exchange and educational collaboration The programme aims to combine competitive excellence with meaningful educational impact. Registration The registration deadline is March 20, 2026. Teams must register exclusively through their respective FIDE member federations via the official online registration form. Teams can register using the online form at: https://worldschoolteam2026.fide.com/registration Full Invitation, Regulations and registration details are available at: https://worldschoolteam2026.fide.com/files/Invitation_letter_WSTC_2026.pdf Contact e-mail: worldschoolteam@fide.comOfficial website: worldschoolteam2026.fide.com INVITATION LETTER (PDF) G
New competition format for the World Schools Team Championship in 2026
The World Schools Team Championship (WSTC) will adopt a new tournament structure for its 2026 edition. The competition will now feature four continental stages followed by a four-team Grand Final in December. First held in 2023 in Kazakhstan and then in 2025 in the US, the World Schools Team Championship is the primary global scholastic chess competition, jointly organised by FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF). The 2026 edition will take place during the Year of Chess in Education, a joint FIDE and ISCF initiative to promote the role and value of chess as part of education, supporting both cognitive and social development among schoolchildren. In October 2025, FIDE and ISCF signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, which announced a series of international school team tournaments for 2026. The WSTC will serve as a flagship circuit of the “Chess in Education 2026” programme. It was then announced that the tournaments would unfold in two stages: Continental Championships for Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe and the Grand Final, featuring the winners of the respective Continental Championships. FIDE and ISCF now announce the structure of the new format and the regulations for the event. The 2026 cycle will consist of four continental stages: Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe, all held throughout 2026. Each continental championship will produce one champion school team that will directly qualify for the Grand Final, which will take place in December 2026 as a four-team tournament. The WSTC 2026 will kick off with the Asian Continental stage in Almaty, Kazakhstan in the beginning of April. Exact dates and locations for the all stages will be announced at a later date. Only teams representing a single general educational institution (such as a school) may take part in the event. Each team must include at least one boy and at least one girl, with possible exceptions for single gender schools. Players who were born on January 1st, 2012 and later, but not later than on December 31st, 2018, are eligible for participation in WSTC 2026. The rules explicitly note substantial organiser support for participating teams. “Everyone has something they can learn from someone or teach someone. By bringing together children from different countries and cultures to play chess, we are sowing the seeds of knowledge, creativity and diversity, which are essential for a thriving life and society. The ISCF is excited to be partnering with FIDE on this project, and we are looking forward to a successful series of events in the Year of Chess in Education,” ISCF President Timur Turlov said. “FIDE has consistently championed education and learning, and we have always believed that chess is a powerful tool for education, whether among children or adults. After the successful Year of Social Chess in 2025, we have dedicated 2026 to education and to children in school. The four continental championships, as well as the Grand Final, will not only further promote chess in schools, but will be an impulse for many schoolchildren to take up the game, spreading the wonder of our sport further. We are exceptionally grateful to ISCF for their work on this project, which has the full backing of FIDE,” said Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board. The regulations for the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 can be found here. Official email: worldschoolteam@fide.comOfficial website: worldschoolteam2026.fide.com About ISCF: The International School Chess Federation (ISCF) is dedicated to the promotion and integration of chess within the educational system globally. Launched in September 2024 as a FIDE affiliated organisation, the ISCF operates as a main institutional platform for advancing chess in schools, developing educational programmes, supporting national federations and fostering cognitive and social growth among students through the game of chess. https://ischoolchess.com/about About FIDE: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is the governing body of the sport of chess, and it regulates all international chess competitions. FIDE was recognised by the International Olympic Committee as a global sporting organisation in 1999. Headquartered in Lausanne, FIDE was founded in 1924 in Paris under the motto “Gens una Sumus” (Latin for “We are one family”). It was one of the very first international sports federations, alongside the governing bodies of football, cricket, swimming and auto racing. It is now one of the largest, encompassing 201 countries as affiliated members, in the form of national chess federations. https://www.fide.com/