World Chess Day 2026

Date

20 July

Why 20 July?

It marks the founding of FIDE in 1924 in Paris.

2026 Theme

“Celebrate, create and make a difference”

UN Recognition

• UNGA adopted Resolution A/RES/74/22
• Date: 12 December 2019
• First UN-recognised observance: 20 July 2020

Prelims Hook

20 July → World Chess Day → FIDE founded in 1924