FIDE has opened registration for the 2026 World Youth Chess Championships, running October 13-21 in Roquetas de Mar, Spain. The event covers six age categories from Under-7 through Under-17, with national federations able to enter 12 official players total, one per category.
The Spanish coastal town on the Costa de Almería provides the venue. FIDE picked it for its Mediterranean climate and infrastructure, though the location itself matters less than the opportunity to crown world champions across the youth ranks. These championships matter because they establish the pecking order among the next generation of talent. Strong showings here often predict which young players will eventually crack the elite.
National federations need to get their entries in early. The site mentions an October 13 arrival and October 21 departure, giving federations a clear window to prepare rosters and logistics. For coaches and federation officials, this is the moment to identify your strongest youth prospects and lock in participation.
The format follows FIDE's standard structure, with one player per federation per category. That means smaller federations face tough selection decisions. Stronger federations will field their best U-7 through U-17 talent knowing this is a showcase tournament with real prestige attached. Parents and coaches should mark their calendars now.