FIDE has opened media accreditation for the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The main event runs September 15-27, with the Olympiad for People with Disabilities preceding it from September 10-17. The FIDE Congress sits alongside from September 19-28.
This is the 46th Olympiad. The competition remains chess's premier team event, where national squads battle for glory on the world stage. Every two years, the tournament draws the strongest players on the planet. You'll see established super-GMs defending their nations' honor next to rising talents hungry to announce themselves globally.
Journalists wanting to cover the tournament can register through the official accreditation portal. The Samarkand venue positions Uzbekistan as a major chess hub. The country has invested heavily in hosting elite events and developing young talent.
The 2026 Olympiad arrives at an interesting moment. Giri's withdrawal from the Dutch team last cycle sparked debate about player freedom and federation authority. How nations respond to team composition rules will matter. The question of whether dominant powers like Russia can field strong squads under current political conditions remains unresolved. These dynamics add layers beyond the games themselves.
For journalists covering chess at the highest level, this event offers unmatched access to international drama, historic rivalries, and the raw competition that defines what teams can accomplish when representing their countries.