Extra time for university teams from FIDE
The registration period for the FIDE World University Team Chess Championship has been extended. Due to strong interest from universities around the world and the need for additional time to complete every stage of the application process, the organizers announced a new deadline of April 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM (UTC). The decision creates an important opportunity for university teams planning to enter and also highlights the international attention the championship is receiving.
In this prestigious team event, some of the strongest representatives of university chess will gather in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in August 2026. Held under the auspices of FIDE, the championship is organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation together with the Almaty city administration and with support from the Ministry of Sports and Tourism of Kazakhstan. As a result, the tournament stands not only as a major sporting contest but also as an important showcase for raising the global profile of university chess.
The championship will be played in a highly competitive three-stage format. The first phase consists of online Swiss qualifiers, followed by an online knockout stage for the successful teams. Those who advance will then compete in the over-the-board finals in Almaty from August 3 to 10, 2026, where the title of FIDE World University Team Chess Champion will be at stake. The final stage will feature a total of 16 teams: eight qualifying through the knockout stage and eight more selected through wild card invitations granted by FIDE and the organizer.
One of the most notable aspects of the event is its inclusive team structure. Each team match will be played on four boards, and every lineup must include at least one female and at least one male player. This approach encourages equal opportunity and balanced representation in university chess while also contributing to a modern understanding of team competition. With the registration period now extended, more universities are expected to complete their preparations and join this elite international event.