FIDE approves two-stage World Cup format for 2027

FIDE has approved a new two-stage format for the 2027 FIDE World Cup and FIDE Women’s World Cup. Both events will run for 19 days, replacing the full-length knockout structure used since 2005.

The opening stage will place players into nine-round Swiss pools played across five days at a 45+30 time control. The Open will have four pools, with the top four from each advancing; the Women’s event will have two pools, with the top eight from each moving on.

The final 16 players in each competition will contest a classical knockout from the Round of 16 through the final. A rest day will separate the Swiss and knockout stages, with two more rest days during the knockout.

The Open field will expand from 206 to 224 players, while the Women’s field will grow from 103 to 128. The combined prize fund will rise from $2.67 million in 2025 to $3.3 million in 2027.

Image: FIDE.