American GM Hikaru Nakamura shared his thoughts on the FIDE World Championship 2026. Nakamura believes reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju will win the Match, and notes Gukesh should work on his form.

Hikaru Nakamura

Hikaru Nakamura

American GM, streamer

“Sindarov or Gukesh? Gukesh.

I think he has no pressure on him. Everyone expects him to lose and Sindarov to just dominate the match. And I think if Gukesh can find the form that he found in the match and the tournaments leading up to it, he’ll win.

I think as long as he works on the mental aspects and he’s able to drown out the noise, I think he’s going to surprise people.”

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: Niki Riga / FIDE