Global Chess League 2026 teams announced: Carlsen and Firouzja headline star-studded lineups

Magnus Carlsen, Viswanathan Anand, Alireza Firouzja and Ian Nepomniachtchi headline the six franchise squads announced for the Global Chess League 2026.

The Global Chess League (GCL) 2026 is set to feature some of the biggest names in world chess after all six franchises announced their teams for the upcoming edition of the tournament.

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, Alireza Firouzja, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Arjun Erigaisi, Anish Giri and Vidit Gujrathi are among the leading stars who will compete in the league.

The tournament's unique format requires each franchise to field a balanced lineup comprising elite grandmasters, female players and emerging talents, creating some fascinating combinations across the six teams.

Defending champions Triveni Continental Kings once again boast a formidable roster led by Alireza Firouzja, while Alpine Sg Pipers have assembled a powerful squad around Magnus Carlsen. The Ganges Grandmasters will rely on Ian Nepomniachtchi and Levon Aronian, whereas Viswanathan Anand and Arjun Erigaisi headline the Alaskan Knights.

Here is a look at all six teams for the Global Chess League 2026.

Triveni Continental Kings

* Alireza Firouzja * Aravindh Chithambaram * Wei Yi * Zhu Jiner * Alexandra Kosteniuk * Pranav Venkatesh

Triveni Continental Kings combine elite experience with rising Indian talent. Firouzja, Aravindh and Wei Yi form one of the strongest top boards in the competition, while reigning World Junior Champion Pranav Venkatesh adds youthful energy.

UpGrad Mumba Masters

* Maxime Vachier-Lagrave * Shakhriyar Mamedyarov * Vladimir Fedoseev * Harika Dronavalli * Carissa Yip * Bardiya Daneshvar

Led by French superstar Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Mumbai Movers possess tremendous firepower across all boards. Mamedyarov and Fedoseev provide additional experience, while Harika Dronavalli strengthens the lineup on the women's board.

Ganges Grandmasters

* Ian Nepomniachtchi * Levon Aronian * Leinier Dominguez Perez * Polina Shuvalova * Stavroula Tsolakidou * Leon Luke Mendonca

Former world championship challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi leads a well-balanced squad that also includes Aronian and Dominguez. Indian grandmaster Leon Luke Mendonca will be one of the key young players to watch.

Alpine Sg Pipers

* Magnus Carlsen * Anish Giri * Vidit Gujrathi * Divya Deshmukh * Volodar Murzin * Koneru Humpy

Alpine Sg Pipers arguably have the strongest roster on paper. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen is joined by Anish Giri, Vidit Gujrathi and two of India's biggest stars, Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy.

American Gambits

* Javokhir Sindarov * Nihal Sarin * Daniil Dubov * Bibisara Assaubayeva * Sara Khadem * Marc'Andria Maurizzi

American Gambits feature one of the youngest and most dynamic lineups in the competition. Sindarov, Nihal Sarin and Maurizzi represent the next generation of elite chess talent.

Alaskan Knights

* Viswanathan Anand * Arjun Erigaisi * Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus * Kateryna Lagno * Nino Batsiashvili * Abhimanyu Mishra

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand returns alongside India's top-ranked player Arjun Erigaisi. The squad also features Turkish prodigy Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus and American wonderkid Abhimanyu Mishra.

With world champions, Candidates contenders and rising prodigies spread across all six franchises, the Global Chess League 2026 promises to be one of the strongest editions of the tournament yet.