Saco Oliveros de Lince from Peru dominated the American Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 in San José, never losing a match all week. The Peruvian squad finished with 15 match points out of 16 possible, clinching the title in Round 7 with a 4-0 sweep of Chile's Saint Gabriel's School.
The tournament's top three teams all secured spots at the Grand Final in December. Harvest Park Middle School from the United States claimed second place, while Crescent Heights Academy from Canada finished third. Saco Oliveros' command of the event was complete from Wednesday onward. After beating both of their nearest rivals on Thursday, they controlled the rest of the week without drama.
The closing ceremony at DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari included a tribute to mothers, adding an emotional layer to the competition's conclusion. For Saco Oliveros, the undefeated run through a continental event represents a serious statement heading into the December Grand Final. The team's consistency across seven rounds, never dropping a match, suggests they have the depth and preparation to challenge for the world title. The path forward is clear: they've earned their ticket and proved they belong among the world's strongest school teams.