French national team player Etienne Bacrot shared his thoughts on his team’s chances at the Chess Olympiad 2026. Bacrot says that his team is limited without Alireza Firouzja. Bacrot spoke about it in an interview with Europe Echecs.

Etienne Bacrot

Etienne Bacrot

France's No. 3

“Today, we mustn’t dream. Without Alireza, we are clearly more limited.

In 2014 and in those years, we were playing for the podium. We even thought we could win the title. Today, there are the Americans, the Indians, the Uzbeks, or even the Chinese.

Against the big teams, you already have to try not to lose. You’re happy if you draw 2-2. It’s practically an achievement.”

France’s No. 1 Alireza Firouzja has not made public statements about his absence from the 2026 Olympiad. In May, the French Chess Federation stated that Alireza will not be invited to national events until certain requirements are met.

The Chess Olympiad is a prestigious national team competition. The event is held every two years and organized by FIDE. France’s best result at the Olympiad is seventh place. France finished 7th at the 1984 and 2006 events.

Credit: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess