France Reveals Teams for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2026 Amidst Alireza Firouzja’s Ongoing Absence

France Announces Teams for 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad Amid Controversy Over Firouzja’s Absence

Paris, France — The French Chess Federation made headlines on Tuesday by unveiling its Open and Women’s teams for the upcoming 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad, set to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan this September. However, the announcement was overshadowed by the notable absence of the country’s top player, Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja, who has yet to represent France in the Olympiad since obtaining citizenship in 2021.

Firouzja, currently ranked ninth in the world, has not participated in any national team events for five consecutive years, a fact that the federation addressed directly for the first time. In a statement, they revealed that Firouzja declined to play “without officially stating his reasons,” and emphasized the importance of commitment to the national team.

The federation’s message was clear: “Alireza Firouzja will not be called up to the national team in the future, unless he clearly expresses his desire to permanently rejoin the team.” Despite acknowledging his “immense talent,” they underscored the significance of representing France with dedication.

Team Composition

The Open team will feature prominent players including GMs Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Etienne Bacrot, Maxime Lagarde, Jules Moussard, and Marc’Andria Maurizzi, under the leadership of team captain GM Sebastien Maze. Meanwhile, the Women’s team comprises GM Marie Sebag, IM Sophie Milliet, WGM Mitra Hejazipour, IM Pauline Guichard, and Deimante Daulyte-Cornette, led by IM Silvia Alexieva.

Firouzja’s Ongoing Absence

Firouzja’s absence from the Olympiad is not entirely unexpected; he last played in an Olympiad in 2018 while representing Iran. His decision to skip the event has sparked discussions about his commitment to the French national team. National Coach GM Laurent Fressinet expressed his disappointment on social media, stating, “I deeply regret his choice not to represent France in any team event last 5 years and can only welcome a change in the future.”

The young grandmaster has also missed other significant competitions, including the FIDE World Cup in both 2023 and 2025, citing concerns over the lengthy format. His interests outside of chess, particularly in fashion, have also raised eyebrows among fans and officials alike.

A Shift in Dynamics

The French Open team will see Vachier-Lagrave stepping up as the lead player, a role he has held before despite interruptions in his participation. His previous absence from the 2022 Chess Olympiad and the 2025 European Championship has been a point of contention, particularly in light of Firouzja’s refusal to join the team.

Bacrot’s return to the national squad marks a reconciliation of sorts, as he was previously omitted from the European Championship due to team cohesion considerations. Sebag, a trailblazer in French women’s chess, returns to the Olympiad for the first time since 2022, adding depth to the Women’s team.

Looking Ahead

As the chess world gears up for the Olympiad, the dynamics within the French team remain complex. While the federation has left the door open for Firouzja’s potential return, the emphasis on commitment to the national jersey is a clear message to all players. With the competition just around the corner, fans will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold on the international stage.