**Cape Town to Host WSTC’s First African Stage with Freedom Holding Corp. as General Partner**
The African Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 (WSTC 2026) is set to take place from July 6 to July 11, 2026, at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa. This event marks a significant milestone as it is the first African stage in the history of the championship, which is organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF). Freedom Holding Corp., the parent company of Freedom24, is supporting the event as the general partner.
The tournament is expected to attract nearly 30 school teams from across the African continent, with the top teams qualifying for the WSTC 2026 Grand Final. This final event will see continental champions compete for the title of FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Champion 2026. The championship encompasses four continental stages, which include Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe.
The Asian stage of the tournament concluded in April 2026 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where the Wisdom School of Tashkent emerged victorious. Following the African stage, the Americas stage is scheduled for August 2026 in San Jose, Costa Rica. The dates for the European stage and the Grand Final, which is planned for December 2026, are yet to be announced.
The initiative for this championship began with discussions in Kazakhstan in 2023 between FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. and President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. Their aim was to enhance competitive chess opportunities for schoolchildren. The first edition of the championship was launched in Aktau later that year, attracting over 400 students from 53 countries.
The ISCF was established in September 2024 at Turlov's proposal and was approved by FIDE’s General Assembly as an affiliated body. Turlov, who serves as the chairman of the federation, emphasized the importance of the African and American stages in fostering sustainable youth chess ecosystems in these regions. He expressed optimism that the events in Cape Town and San Jose would inspire a new generation of chess competitors.
Kazakhstan has become a notable reference point for the school chess movement, with its Chess in Education program supported by the Ministry of Education, the national chess federation, and FIDE. This initiative currently spans over 1,500 schools and reaches around 60,000 students, establishing Kazakhstan as a frequent host of international school and junior chess events.
Freedom Holding Corp. plays a crucial role in supporting the championship, allocating more than $15 million annually to chess development and promotion. This includes funding for the WSTC, the World Rapid and Blitz Championships, and other FIDE events. Earlier in 2026, the company expanded its involvement in chess by acquiring ChessBase, a leading platform for chess software and analytics.
Arkady Dvorkovich highlighted the expansion into Africa and the Americas as part of FIDE’s Year of Chess in Education initiative. He acknowledged the progress made in both regions regarding chess infrastructure and school programs.
In conjunction with the competitive program, the WSTC 2026 will feature a comprehensive schedule of educational and cultural events. Dr. Lyndon Bouah, a former South African Chess Olympian and author, will deliver a lecture on South Africa’s Olympiad history. Additionally, International Master Henry Robert Steel will conduct a simultaneous exhibition, while Women International Master and sport psychologist Dr. Denise Bouah will lead a session focused on the mental aspects of high performance in chess. An interactive workshop aimed at challenging stereotypes through chess will also be held in collaboration with the Teach the Nation initiative.
Throughout the week, participants will have the opportunity to engage in cultural activities that showcase South African music, dance, and craft traditions. The ISCF emphasized that the event is designed to provide more than just competitive play, stating, “This isn’t a week where kids just show up, play and leave. The masterclasses and the cultural program are there so they walk away with something. A skill, a perspective, a connection to a place they’d never been before.”
As the WSTC 2026 approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a landmark event in the world of school chess, fostering both competitive spirit and cultural exchange among young players from across Africa and beyond.