The 2026 FIDE World Championships U7–U17 kicked off in Roquetas de Mar, Spain with an impressive 721 players from 82 countries competing across 12 age categories. The event runs through October 21 at the Evenia Zoraida Beach Resort in Almería.
The tournament splits into six age groups, from Under 7 through Under 17, each with separate Open and Girls divisions. This structure gives every young player a chance to compete fairly against peers their own age while building competitive experience at the world stage.
The opening rounds have already delivered surprises and several perfect scores from standout performers. Young talents are making their mark early, signaling that the next generation of chess strength is developing rapidly across multiple countries.
The scale of this championship reflects growing global interest in youth chess development. With strong representation from national federations worldwide, the event serves as both a proving ground for emerging champions and a showcase for chess's expansion beyond traditional powerhouses. We'll be watching closely to see which young players separate themselves as the tournament progresses and which nations are building the deepest benches of talent for the years ahead.