FIDE U20 World Youth Chess Championship in Venezuela: Registration now open

FIDE and the Venezuelan Chess Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Popular Power for Sport, are pleased to invite all FIDE Member Federations to take part in the 2026 FIDE World Under-20 Youth Chess Championship (open and women’s categories).

The Championship will be held at the Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas, the official 5-star hotel and venue for the event, located in the municipality of Baruta, Bolivarian State of Miranda, from 17 November (arrival) to 28 November (departure) 2026.

Each National Federation may register up to two guest players, one for each category (Open and Women’s). Additional players may be sent at the federation’s expense.

Players who hold personal playing rights in accordance with the applicable FIDE Regulations, provided they meet the age requirements for their respective categories, may also participate as invited players:

• The top three players from the previous edition of the World Youth Chess Championship (2025);
• The continental youth champions from the year preceding this edition;
• The top six Under-20 youth players in the Open category and the top four Under-20 youth players in the Women’s category, as per the FIDE Rating List as at 1 January 2026;
• The U18 and U16 World Youth Champions from the year preceding this edition.

Registration deadline (including applications for visa assistance): 16 October 2026.

All entries must be submitted via the relevant National Federation using the official entry form.

Invitation, regulations, schedule (PDF)

For further information, please contact the organising committee at: [email protected]

The official website will be available shortly: worldjunior2026.fide.com