FIDE Marks 2026 “Year of Chess in Education” with Global Schools Championship League

The global chess community has taken a significant leap forward in integrating sport with scholarship. As part of FIDE’s ambitious “Year of Chess in Education 2026,” the World Schools Team Championship League (WSTCL) has officially launched, backed by a dedicated global budget of €540,000.

Asian Continental Stage Concludes in Almaty

The league reached a major milestone this month with the successful completion of the Asian Continental Stage, held from April 6–11, 2026. Hosted at the iconic Hotel Kazakhstan in Almaty, the event served as a high-stakes qualifier for the upcoming global Grand Final.

The tournament brought together elite teams of school children, aged 8 to 14, each representing their respective general educational institutions. These young athletes demonstrated that chess is not just a game, but a vital tool for cognitive development and international camaraderie.

Unprecedented Support for Young Talent

The project’s success was bolstered by the significant support of the Freedom Holding Corp. In a move to ensure that talent—not financial means—dictates success, the corporation provided comprehensive funding for the participants, including:

· Economy-class international flights

· Full-board accommodation at the host venue

· Local transfers within Almaty

Looking Ahead: The Grand Final

With the Asian stage now concluded, the focus shifts to the global stage. The winners from this qualifier will advance to the WSTCL Grand Final, scheduled for December 2026. This initiative continues to solidify FIDE’s commitment to making chess a cornerstone of global education, fostering the next generation of strategic thinkers and leaders.