2026 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague

The international figure skating season reaches its grand crescendo this week as the world’s elite converge on Prague, Czechia, for the 2026 World Figure Skating Championships. Running from Wednesday through Sunday, this event serves as the final major competition of the post-Olympic cycle, offering a stage for redemption, historic milestones, and bittersweet farewells.

The Headliners: A Changing of the Guard

The spotlight in Prague shines brightest on Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto. At 25, the three-time World Champion has announced that this will be the final competition of her illustrious career. Should she secure the gold, she will become the first woman since the legendary Michelle Kwan to claim four world titles. Standing in her way is U.S. Champion Amber Glenn, who enters Prague with significant momentum following a top-five finish at the Milan Olympics.

In the Men’s field, the “Quad God” Ilia Malinin is looking for a massive comeback. After a dominant winning streak that lasted over two years, a disappointing eighth-place finish at the Olympics has left him hungry to reclaim his throne. He faces stiff competition from Olympic silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama, who remains one of the most technically consistent skaters in the world.

The Pairs and Ice Dance categories also promise high drama. With several Olympic medalists skipping the event due to fatigue, new doors have opened. U.S. Champions Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov—who were ineligible for the Olympics due to citizenship rules—are finally able to compete for a world medal. Meanwhile, in Ice Dance, the debut of Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik carries the weight of a 20-year American podium streak.

Official Competition Schedule (Prague Time)

For fans following the action live on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock, here is the full lineup of events:

Wednesday, March 25 The championships begin early with the Women’s Short Program starting at 6:00 a.m., followed by the Pairs’ Short Program in the afternoon at 1:15 p.m.

Thursday, March 26 The men take the ice for the Men’s Short Program at 5:45 a.m. The first world titles will be decided later that day during the Pairs’ Free Skate, starting at 1:15 p.m.

Friday, March 27 Ice Dance kicks off with the Rhythm Dance at 6:00 a.m. The afternoon will be a marathon of elite skating, featuring the Women’s Free Skate starting at 1:00 p.m., where the ladies’ world champion will be crowned.

Saturday, March 28 A high-stakes double-header begins with the Men’s Free Skate at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Free Dance at 1:30 p.m. to determine the final competitive rankings of the season.

Sunday, March 29 The week concludes with the traditional Exhibition Gala at 8:30 a.m., celebrating the medalists and fan favorites in a non-competitive showcase of artistry.

Ultimately, the 2026 Worlds in Prague represent more than just medals; they symbolize the closing of one chapter and the hopeful beginning of another for the next generation of skaters.

Source: article by Nick Zaccardi on sports.yahoo.com, published March 23, 2026.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer