World Women’s Team Championship

by ChessBase
11/17/2025 – The 2025 FIDE World Women’s Team Championship will be held in Linares, Spain, one of the most iconic cities in world chess, from November 17 to 24, 2025. Just three days before the official opening ceremony of the championship, FIDE has confirmed the composition of the two competitive pools. The average ratings of the teams range from 2207 (Peru) to 2496 (FIDE).
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Already on site in Linares, Javier Ochoa de Echaguen, President of the Spanish Chess Federation, welcomed the first arriving delegations: “The Spanish Chess Federation is delighted to welcome all delegations attending the Women’s World Team Championship in the historic city of Linares.”

Pool A: A clash of heavyweights

Team FIDE, led by GM Aleksandra Goryachkina, tops Pool A with an impressive 2496 average rating. Close behind is Team USA, averaging 2406, spearheaded by rising star IM Carissa Yip.

Team Kazakhstan, average rating 2381, has GM Bibisara Assaubayeva on board one.

Following the late withdrawal of Team Algeria due to visa issues, Team Azerbaijan has been nominated as the replacement. With an average rating of 2366, Azerbaijan — led by IM Ulviyya Fataliyeva — significantly elevates the competitive depth of Pool A.

Host nation Spain fields a 2339 average rating team, featuring IM Sarasadat Khademalsharieh on top board. Team Peru rounds out the pool with a 2207 average rating, led by IM Deysi Cori T., supported by several of the country’s most promising young talents.

Pool B: Hou Yifan returns

Pool B is headlined by the return of GM Hou Yifan, four-time Women’s World Champion, who leads Team China to the event with a strong 2473 average rating. Widely recognized as the second-highest-rated female player in history, Hou’s participation adds exceptional prestige to the championship.

Team Georgia (2430), led by GM Nino Batsiashvili, brings a seasoned and balanced roster, while Team Ukraine enters with a 2399 average rating under the leadership of IM Yuliia Osmak.

Three evenly matched teams — France, Uzbekistan, and India — each average around 2350. Packed with International Masters and Women Grandmasters, they bring a blend of experience and rising youth. Both Uzbekistan and India are fielding notably young squads, expected to capitalize on the opportunity to gain high-level international exposure.

A Championship steeped in tradition

Looking ahead to a week of intense competition, Ochoa de Echaguen added:

“It is an honour for us to host this prestigious event in a venue that holds such a special place in the history of world chess. We trust that the players, coaches, and accompanying teams will enjoy an excellent stay, dedicated organization, and a competitive atmosphere that reflects the values of respect, excellence, and sportsmanship that define our sport.”

Full list of teams with average rating

  • Pool A: FIDE (2496) USA (2406) Kazakhstan (2381) Azerbaijan (2366) Spain (2339) Peru (2207)
  • Pool B: China (2473) Georgia (2430) Ukraine (2399) France (2353) Uzbekistan (2336) India (2334)

Here's the full rosters of each team [click to enlarge]:

For more information about the 2025 FIDE World Women’s Team Championship, media accreditation, or event logistics, please contact FIDE or the Spanish Chess Federation.

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