On June 16, the opening ceremony of the FIDE World Cup under 8–12 was held. The competition is taking place at the 5 star hotels “Grand Bellagio” and “Euphoria”, with around 700 participants from 68 countries.

The opening ceremony was attended by the FIDE Director of Special Tasks and President of the Georgian Chess Federation Akaki Iashvili, Deputy Minister of Education and Sport of Adjarian Autonomous Republic Irakli Abuladze, Head of the Sports Department Irma Nizharadze, Deputy Aslan Baladze and many other distinguished guests.

The first move on Board №1 in the Under 10 Open category was made by Akaki Iashvili.

It is noteworthy that all games of the tournament are played on live boards.

The Chief Arbiter of the event is IA Gopakumar M S (IND).

Beginning in 2026, FIDE introduced a new age-group competition system, designating the World Cadets Cup as a qualification pathway to the World Championship, further enhancing the prestige and importance of the event.

Results: https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1435098.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=1&flag=30&SNode=S0
Live games: https://www.chess.com/events/world-cadets-cup-2026-girls-08/games
Official website of the Tournament: https://wcc2026.fide.com/