Magnus Carlsen shared his thoughts on the FIDE World Championship 2026. Carlsen says that Javokhir Sindarov has a good chance of winning the match at the moment, and notes the difference between Sindarov and Gukesh Dommaraju in understanding positions.

Magnus Carlsen

Magnus Carlsen

World's No. 1

“Sindarov or Gukesh? At the moment it’s impossible not to say Sindarov. But we know anything can happen in a World Championship match.

But first of all, I’m really curious as to what Sindarov can do in the next few months. Because he is very, very different from Gukesh in the sense that Gukesh has very obvious weaknesses when it comes to his understanding. And Sindarov does not in the same way. He’s a lot more well-rounded.

So, we’ll see.”

The FIDE World Championship 2026 is the crowning match to determine the new World Champion. Match features defending Champion Gukesh Dommaraju and Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov, the winner of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026. The location and date of the match will be announced by FIDE later this year.

Credit: Lennart Ootes / FIDE