Divya Deshmukh, Humpy Koneru and Tan Zhongyi qualify for the Women Candidates 2026

The FIDE Women Candidates Chess 2026 is going to take place in April. It is a major event of The Chess Calendar and features eight qualified players.

The winner of this 8-player double round-robin becomes the Challenger for the chess crown in a match vs the current World Champion Ju Wenjun. In case of a tie for first place after 14 rounds, the playoff determines the winner.

Divya Deshmukh, Humpy Koneru and Tan Zhongyi have just qualified via the World Cup.

Women Candidates 2026 participants

Zhu Jiner – winner of the Women Grand Prix
Alexandra Goryachkina – second place at the Women Grand Prix
Divya Deshmukh – winner of the World Cup
Humpy Koneru – second place at the World Cup
Tan Zhongyi – bronze at the World Cup
TBA – Grand Swiss 2025 winner
TBA – Grand Swiss 2025 second place
TBA – FIDE Women’s Events 2024-25 series winner