Istanbul has been selected to host the 2026 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships, with the event scheduled for late December. Freedom Holding Corp., which has served as FIDE's strategic partner since 2023, will serve as the title sponsor. The corporation's support extends beyond major FIDE events to include chess training centres, school programmes, and talent scouting initiatives globally.

The championships will feature four world titles across Open and Women's categories in both rapid and blitz formats. Hundreds of competitors from around the world are expected to participate in one of the year's most prestigious chess tournaments. The event represents a significant return of a major FIDE championship to Türkiye.

Türkiye has established itself as a leading chess nation over the past two decades through strong event organisation and grassroots development programmes. Chess education has become integrated into schools across the country through cooperation between the Turkish Chess Federation and educational institutions. The nation is now home to emerging young talents, positioning itself among the world's strongest developing chess powers.

Istanbul previously hosted the Chess Olympiad in 2012 and recently concluded the FIDE World Youth Blitz and Rapid Chess Championships at the end of 2025. The city's status as a major international transport hub connecting multiple continents makes it a practical choice for attracting global participation. Its combination of historical significance and modern infrastructure provides an appropriate setting for a world championship.

The defending champions in the 2025 championships included Magnus Carlsen, who won both the rapid and blitz titles. Aleksandra Goryachkina captured the women's rapid crown while Bibisara Assaubayeva won the women's blitz championship. Additional tournament details, including venue information and registration procedures, will be announced in the coming weeks.