2026 FIDE World Junior Championship: Registration Open Until October 30
FIDE World Junior Chess Championships in Venezuela: Registration Extended to October 30
Preparing for a world championship begins long before the first move. Young players need to coordinate their participation with their national federation, arrange travel and complete the necessary paperwork. Those planning to compete in the World Junior Championships in Venezuela now have two additional weeks to prepare.
FIDE has extended the registration deadline for the World Junior Under-20 Chess Championships to October 30, 2026. The previous deadline was October 16. The federation announced the decision, agreed with the Venezuelan organizers, on October 14. The new deadline also applies to requests for visa assistance.
Where and When Will the Championships Take Place?
The event will be held in Caracas from November 17 to 28, 2026. According to the original invitation, November 17 is the arrival day and November 28 is the departure day.
The Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas will serve as both the official accommodation and the playing venue. The program features two tournaments: the Open and Girls’ Championships. The event is organized by FIDE and the Venezuelan Chess Federation in cooperation with the country’s Ministry of Sport.
Who Can Take Part?
Each national federation may nominate two invited players—one for each section. Federations may also enter additional players at their own expense.
Certain players have personal qualification rights. Subject to the age requirements, invited-player status is available to:
the top three finishers in each section of the 2025 World Junior Championships;
the previous year’s continental junior champions;
the top six juniors in the Open category and the top four girls on the FIDE rating list of January 1, 2026;
the previous year’s Under-18 and Under-16 World Champions.
What Does the Registration Extension Mean?
The additional two weeks give players, coaches and federations more time to complete entries and finalize practical arrangements. This is particularly helpful for an international trip, where participation, documentation, accommodation and travel plans all need to come together.
All entries must be submitted through the relevant national federation using the official registration form. Players wishing to compete should therefore contact their federation first. Questions for the organizers can be sent to [email protected].
The extended deadline is also an opportunity to complete preparations early. Players who require visa assistance will still need to allow time for the remaining travel formalities.
What Support Have the Organizers Announced?
Alongside the registration extension, the organizers outlined measures intended to support participant safety and medical care.
These include coordination with government security services, hotel security and monitoring of the playing hall. Accredited participants will receive medical insurance for the duration of the event. A first-aid station and a round-the-clock ambulance service are also planned at the venue.
The organizers have additionally announced official airport transfers between the airport and the hotel, as well as transport for championship activities.
More Time Before a Major Challenge
For a young chess player, the World Junior Championships offer a chance to test themselves against international opposition and gain experience that is difficult to find in familiar domestic tournaments. Every game demands knowledge, composure, the ability to recover from mistakes and the determination to keep fighting.
The registration extension gives another opportunity to those who have yet to finalize their trip. The immediate priority is to confirm participation and submit the required documents by October 30. In November, the practical preparations will give way to the competition itself—and the pursuit of a world junior title.