FIDE changes Candidates qualification rule

International Chess Federation (FIDE), on Saturday, overhauled the qualification process for the next Candidates tournament to be held in 2026.

From the 2026 edition onwards, the runner-up of the World Championship will no longer be eligible for a direct qualification to the event.

The runner-up of the World Championship match in 2024 has to join the qualification process. The runner-up, however, will receive bonus points based on the match performance.