FIDE launched the bidding process to host the World Chess Championship match between reigning champion Dommaraju Gukesh and Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov. The match, expected to be the youngest in history, is scheduled for late November to mid-December.
International Chess Federation (FIDE) launched the bidding process to host the 2026 World Chess Championship match.
The title clash will feature reigning world champion Dommaraju Gukesh and Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov, who secured his place by winning the Candidates Tournament.
The match is tentatively scheduled for 23 November to 17 December and could last up to 25 days. FIDE said it would be the youngest world championship in history, with both players aged 20 at the start.
The event’s estimated budget is $8.5 million, including a minimum prize fund of $2.5 million. The hosting fee payable to FIDE is set at $1.1 million.
Interested hosts are required to submit detailed proposals, including a full budget breakdown and plans for commercial, sponsorship and broadcasting rights, as well as how these will be shared between FIDE and the organizers.
Applications must be submitted to the FIDE Secretariat by 31 May, with all documentation provided in English. FIDE said that it may enter further negotiations with bidders and, if necessary, extend the deadline.
FIDE director general Emil Sutovsky described the upcoming match as an “epic clash”, highlighting the players’ strength and contrasting styles. He noted that India and Uzbekistan appeared to be logical candidates to host the event.
Sindarov has indicated a preference for a warmer venue, noting that he would favor a location like Cyprus if the match is held in December.
The 20-year-old Uzbek grandmaster won the 2026 Candidates Tournament held in March-April in Cyprus with 10 points out of 14, finishing unbeaten with six wins and eight draws. In 2025, he also became the youngest winner of the Chess World Cup in history.
The previous World Chess Championship took place in Sentosa, Singapore, from 25 November to 12 December 2024, where Gukesh defeated Ding Liren of China to claim the title.
