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FIDE is accepting applications for participation in the Support Program

A New Opportunity for Federations: FIDE Opens Applications for the 2026 Olympiad Preparation Support Program

There are tournaments that take years to prepare for.
And then there are programs that make that preparation possible.

This is exactly the step FIDE is taking
by announcing the opening of applications for participation in the 2026 Chess Olympiad Preparation Support Program.

This is not just an initiative.
It is an investment in the competitive balance of world chess.

What this program is and why it matters

The Chess Olympiad is the largest team event in the world.

But countries do not prepare under equal conditions.

That is why FIDE is launching a program that:

  • helps national federations
  • reduces the gap in preparation levels
  • gives new teams a chance to make themselves known

The main idea is simple:

strong chess should not be accessible only to strong countries.

Who this matters most for

The program is aimed at federations
that:

  • are limited in resources
  • are developing chess at an early stage
  • are striving to reach a new level

For them, this means:

  • access to additional support
  • the opportunity to strengthen their preparation
  • a chance to compete at the Olympiad

What opportunities participation opens up

Participation in the program is not a formality.

It means real tools:

  • training camps
  • work with coaches
  • organizational support
  • development of team strategy

And most importantly —
the opportunity to prepare systematically for the biggest tournament of the cycle.

Why this matters for the entire chess ecosystem

Programs like this do not only change individual participants.

They change the system.

When more countries receive support:

  • competition grows
  • unexpected results appear
  • the tournament becomes more interesting

And the Olympiad turns into a truly global event.

The 2026 Olympiad as a point of attraction

The upcoming Olympiad is not just a tournament.

It is:

  • a meeting of the best national teams
  • a showcase of countries’ strength
  • a display window for world chess

And it is preparation that often determines:

who will fight for medals,
and who will only take part.

Strategy instead of chance

Without systematic preparation, results are rarely stable.

FIDE’s program places emphasis on:

  • planning
  • long-term development
  • teamwork

And that is the key point.

It is not those who are stronger today who win.
It is those who are better prepared.

How to apply

FIDE is opening the official application process for national federations.

The process includes:

  • submitting an application
  • assessment of potential
  • selection of program participants

One thing is important:

this is a chance that cannot be ignored.

What this means for players

For chess players, this opens new opportunities:

  • participation in training camps
  • access to coaching support
  • a chance to reach the international level

And perhaps —
to play at the Olympiad for their country.

A step toward more equal chess

The support program is not just assistance.

It is a step toward making chess:

  • more accessible
  • fairer
  • more competitive

And now much depends on the federations themselves.

Because the opportunities are already open.

The only question is who will take advantage of them.

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