Goosebump moments, powerful emotions, unforgettable experiences – that is what the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 is promising the participants and spectators at the Allianz Park. “Welcome home – that is a confident statement,” declared North Rhine-Westphalia’s State Premier, Hendrik Wüst at a press conference in Aachen on Monday, adding immediately: “And rightly so! Equestrian sport at this level, on such a grand stage, with so many disciplines in front of so many spectators – that is not found anywhere else in the world.” In August, Aachen will demonstrate once again it is capable of doing just that: Namely, hosting over 500,000 people at a top-class international event.

Aachen’s Mayor, Michael Ziemons, is already familiar with the special atmosphere that then prevails in the city, having experienced it during the 2006 World Equestrian Games, and during the annually staged World Equestrian Festival, the CHIO Aachen. “When it is time for equestrian sports in the Aachen Soers, there is always a special buzz in the city,” he stated. And, of course, that buzz is expected to be even more intense during the FEI World Championships. Two stages, one at the market square and one at the Katschhof, receptions for the medal winners in the heart of the city, free concerts and much more: “We will strive to be excellent hosts so that the entire region, the entire country, ideally the whole world, feels at home here.”

To fulfil this goal, full-time staff members and volunteers have been working tirelessly on the preparations for months. “It is a tremendous honour to host these Championships, but at the same time, of course, it comes with a great deal of positive tension,” admits Stefanie Peters. The President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV) emphasised, above all, the immense sweet anticipation of unforgettable experiences for both the equestrian athletes and spectators alike. “This stage for the equestrian sport here in Aachen is cosmopolitan and welcoming. The 2006 World Equestrian Games are an inspiration, but we want 2026 to be a truly unique highlight. We can look forward to many goosebump moments,” says Stefanie Peters.

One rider, who experienced the extraordinary atmosphere 20 years ago and who will almost certainly be competing again at the Allianz Park in August is Isabell Werth. She knows: “It is a hard act to follow. But I am confident that we will once again make a strong statement for the world of equestrian sports here this year.”

“Staging the Olympic Games in Aachen would make a dream come true”

At the same time, the most successful equestrian of all time looked ahead to the future and expressed her hope that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are held in the Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr region, featuring equestrian sports and women’s football in Aachen. “The Olympic Games in Aachen would be a dream come true,” said Germany’s most decorated Olympic athlete, her words filled with emotion.

The State Premier readily agreed – especially after his own experiences in Paris 2024 and this winter in Milan and Cortina. “Anyone, who has ever been to the Olympic Games knows: the Olympic spirit truly exists. It is a movement that brings people and athletes together, who would otherwise never meet,” said Hendrik Wüst enthusiastically. The objective is to create the most impressive stage for the greatest moment – ​​but the sports venues for these unique moments don’t have to be built. “Here in Aachen, you can clearly see what makes our Olympic bid so strong: We are offering Germany and the world the opportunity to host the most spectacular, compact and sustainable Games,” he asserted.

“With our more than 100 years of experience in organising major sporting events, we can also contribute to such an occasion,” said Stefanie Peters, referring to the strong organisational skills of the full-time team, but also to the 1,200 volunteers, who dedicate their time to equestrian sports in Aachen, year after year. “This enthusiasm and passion are also needed for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and we have proven over many years that we dispose of all these skills. We are fully committed!”

Mayor Michael Ziemons echoed this sentiment, in strong support of the bid. “After successful European and World Championships, the Games are the only thing still missing off our list here. The Olympic rings in Aachen – it simply has to happen!” he passionately appealed to the citizens, who have until April 19^th to cast their votes in the referendum.