FIDE Opens Bidding for 2026 World Chess Match

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced the opening of the bidding process to host the 2026 World Chess Championship match between reigning world champion Dommaraju Gukesh of India and challenger Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan.

According to the organization’s statement, the match is provisionally scheduled for 23 November to 17 December 2026. The total duration of the event is expected to be around 25 days, while the final format and regulations are to be confirmed by 1 July.

FIDE also outlined key financial parameters for the event. The total estimated budget is set at US$8.5 million, with a minimum prize fund of US$2.5 million. Bid submissions must include detailed provisions on commercial rights, sponsorship arrangements, and broadcasting rights.

Applications to host the match are being accepted at the FIDE Secretariat. The deadline for submissions is 31 May 2026, although the federation reserves the right to extend it.

Dommaraju Gukesh is the current world champion and the youngest titleholder in history, having defeated China’s Ding Liren in 2024. Javokhir Sindarov secured his place in the championship match after winning the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

Both players are expected to be 20 years old at the time of the match, which could make it one of the youngest championship encounters in the history of world chess.

It was also noted that Gukesh has not replicated his previous results since winning the title. In 2025 he failed to win any tournaments, with a similar performance trend continuing into 2026.

The previous World Chess Championship match between Gukesh and Ding Liren was held in Singapore from November 25 to December 12, 2024. Competing bids included the Indian cities of Chennai and New Delhi. The match took place at the Equarius Hotel in the Resorts World Sentosa complex, with Google serving as the main sponsor.