The International Chess Federation (FIDE), in partnership with the United Arab Emirates Chess Federation and the Al Ain Chess & Mind Games Club, has announced an extension of the registration deadline for the 2026 World Junior U20 Rapid and Blitz Championships. All FIDE member federations are invited to this prestigious event, which will bring young chess talents together to compete in rapid and blitz time controls.
Tournament Schedule and Eligibility
The championships will take place in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, from November 1 (arrival) to November 7 (departure), 2026. According to the regulations, each member federation is permitted to register an unlimited number of players. To be eligible to participate, players must be born on or after January 1, 2006.
Accommodation Benefits and Final Deadline
The organizing committee is offering special hospitality terms for top-performing and high-rated participants. The reigning champions from the 2025 World Junior Rapid & Blitz Championships, along with the top 10 players on the starting list (5 Rapid + 5 Blitz in the open section and 5 Rapid + 5 Blitz in the girls’ section), are entitled to free full-board accommodation in a double room.
The final deadline for member federations to complete player registrations, hotel reservations, and all applicable payments has been extended to October 27, 2026. All official registrations must be submitted through the tournament portal at juniorrapidandblitz2026.fide.com.
Editorial assessment
FIDE's decision to allow federations to register an unlimited number of players, combined with extending the deadline to October 27, aims to maximize international participation in the under-20 category. Furthermore, providing free full-board accommodation to the 2025 champions and the top-seeded players in both the open and girls' sections serves as a strong incentive to ensure a highly competitive field.