Eight teams advanced to the over-the-board final of the 2026 FIDE World University Team Chess Championship. The online qualifiers narrowed the field to 32 teams in the first stage, then 16 in the second. The final stage will feature live play, with teams competing for the title. The tournament targets university students born between 2001 and 2008, enrolled at their respective institutions. The Online Swiss Qualifiers on May 2–9 and the Online Knockout on May 16–17 determined the finalists. Lichess.org hosted both stages. The next phase will test teams in real-time, with strategy and coordination key. This marks the first time the championship uses a hybrid format. Teams must now prepare for the live phase, balancing individual skill with team dynamics. The final will showcase the best university teams globally.