2026 World Schools Team Championship Introduces Multi-Continent Format

The 2026 FIDE-ISCF World Schools Team Championship features a new format spanning multiple continents, focusing on education and international exchange.

<p>The 2026 FIDE-ISCF World Schools Team Championship is adopting a new multi-continent format that includes participants from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This tournament aims to foster a global school chess ecosystem that emphasizes education and the development of young talent, in addition to competition.</p><p>The championship features school teams competing against each other, which differs from typical youth tournaments that focus on individual players. The next event in the championship cycle will occur in San Jose, Costa Rica, from August 11 to 16, where teams from the Americas will compete for a spot in the Grand Final scheduled for December.</p><p>The championship cycle began in Asia, with the Asian Continental Stage held in Almaty, where 114 students from 19 countries participated. The African Continental Stage recently concluded in Stellenbosch, South Africa, with 26 teams from 22 countries. Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School from Uganda emerged as the continental champion. The event also included educational activities and cultural exchanges, highlighting the championship's commitment to more than just competition.</p>