The ancient roots of equestrian sport are taking center stage as the International Chovken Federation (ICF) officially kicks off the Chovken World Championship 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Bringing together a rare mix of history, cultural heritage, and world-class athleticism, the tournament represents a global celebration of the historic sport often considered a key predecessor to modern polo.
With ten distinct nations stepping onto the field, this year’s edition promises to showcase elite competition under a unified global spotlight.
The Road to the Title: 10 Nations, One Championship
The championship roster highlights the true global expansion of Chovken, featuring ten competing nations from different corners of the globe:
- Azerbaijan (Host)
- Chile
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Poland
- Turkiye
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
The tournament formalizes the field through the Official Draw Ceremony, dividing the participating countries into Group A and Group B. The draw dictates the official match schedules and sets up highly anticipated clashes right out of the gate.
Tournament Format and Schedule
The action spans a thrilling week of high-intensity play, starting with group stages and culminating in the prestigious playoff round.
Group Games: June 7 – June 10
The teams will battle within their respective pools to secure points and earn a spot in the elimination phase.
- June 7: The opening slate features three major matchups, pitting Group A and Group B contenders against each other in the initial round of tournament play.
- June 8: Group action continues with intense back-to-back fixtures.
- June 9: Teams face their critical third-round games as the standings begin to take definitive shape.
- June 10: The final group games wrap up, locking in the top seeds advancing to the next phase.
The Postseason: Playoff Bracket Revealed
The official playoff structure maps out a clear path to glory, rewarding the top two teams from each group with a spot in the knockout phase.
- Semi-Finals (June 10): The cross-over matchups begin immediately following the conclusion of the group stage, putting the top seed of Group A against the second seed of Group B, and vice versa.
- 3rd Place Match (June 13): The two teams that fall short in the semi-finals will meet to fight for a spot on the podium and secure the bronze.
- The Grand Final (June 13): The top two squads of the tournament will face off in a historic final clash to determine who walks away with the official 2026 Chovken World Championship trophy.
How to Watch
Fans around the globe can witness the fast-paced action of the Official Draw Ceremony and subsequent match coverages live via CBC Sport, ensuring comprehensive broadcast distribution for the sport’s expanding worldwide audience.
With the stage set and the bracket finalized, Baku is ready to host a magnificent display of equestrian skill, heritage, and pride. Follow the journey through the official hashtags #Chovken2026 and #Baku2026 as the world prepares to crown a new global champion.
