Kick-off in 365 days: World-class sport and royal splendour at the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026

“The FEI World Equestrian Games 2006 in Aachen were the greatest championships we as riders have ever experienced,” raved Isabell Werth, the most successful dressage rider of all time, at the digital press conference on Monday. Christian Kukuk was also there at the time – as a 16-year-old spectator on the stands. “I have not forgotten that breathtaking atmosphere until this very day,” said the Olympic gold medallist from Paris 2024. Even back then he was driven by a single wish: “That a Championship of this magnitude and importance would be staged in Aachen again.” And in the coming summer, this dream will come true, when the world of international equestrian sport returns to Aachen to crown its champions in six disciplines. The two currently most successful German riders will also strive to claim top placings: “We are highly motivated and will give our all to be part of the German team next year,” they stated unanimously – full of anticipation and determination.

Indeed, joyful anticipation characterised the mood of all parties concerned. The President of the Internationalen Equestrian Federation (FEI), Ingmar de Vos, looked ahead full of expectation to an exceptional event, “that gives us the opportunity to present the many positive facets of our wonderful sport to the world.” Stefanie Peters, President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein, is also eagerly awaiting the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026: “It is a great honour for us to host these important Championships. We will do everything in our power to offer the equestrian sport a stage that will do more than justice to this international highlight.” Targeted investments are being made in time for the global event, which will lend the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 a worthy setting and sustainably reinforce the future of the equestrian sport in Aachen. “Our goal is for Aachen to continue to be seen as the global flagship of equestrian sports in the future and to set new standards for major international events,” emphasised Peters. Initial measures such as the modernisation of the Cross-Country Course have already been successfully implemented. These are partly being subsidised by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs under a resolution passed by the German Parliament.

Spectacular setting for the sporting encounters

The sports programme of the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 promises 13 days of world-class sport: In the first week, dressage, eventing and vaulting are on the agenda, followed by show jumping, four-in-hand driving and para dressage in the second week. “The dressage competitions in the Main Stadium will be an absolute highlight,” according to ALRV’s Head of Sport, Birgit Rosenberg. This summer, the dressage elite will be battling it out for medals in the team and individual classifications at this unique venue worldwide, which is otherwise exclusively reserved for show jumpers. But the vaulters and para dressage riders can also look forward to a special ambience – their competitions will be staged in front of a large audience in Stadium 3, which is being roofed especially for the Championships. “It is very important to us to integrate the para riders in the midst of the event,” Rosenberg stated. Fantastic for the crowd: For those, who want to experience this discipline up-close: Admission to the para dressage classes is included in a day ticket for the Main Stadium, Stadium 2 and in a Village Ticket.

“We don’t just want to be excellent hosts, we also want to excel in all six disciplines with the German team,” is how Dr. Dennis Peiler, Managing Director Sport at the German Equestrian Federation (FN), explained the ambitious goal. The significance of the Championships extends far beyond Aachen: As the first opportunity to qualify for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, putting in a good performance is extremely important.

Diversified supporting programme on the grounds and in the city

Aachen not only stands for equestrian sport in a league of its own, but also for unforgettable top-level entertainment. The Opening Ceremony alone promises to be a colourful pageant: Together with plenty of music, hundreds of horses, riders, performers and artists will conquer the stage and impress the crowd. The ceremonial parade of the participating nations and the official opening form the festive setting, embedded in a diversified programme that is choreographed by Uwe Brandt, a renowned theatre director with creative passion. “I don’t want to reveal too much yet,” Birgit Rosenberg commented, but one thing is certain: On the evening of August 11^th, the German State Studs will inspire the spectators with their quadrille boasting 64 stallions. And it is going to be royal: Various international Royal families will create unforgettable moments when they parade around the Main Stadium in their breathtaking carriages.

Furthermore, far beyond the stadiums, the special flair of the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 will be carried out into the city in August. “We are delighted to welcome the world to Aachen,” the Mayor, Sibylle Keupen, stated. An entertaining supporting programme awaits the visitors: Live concerts, culinary delights, public viewings, workshops for children and many other highlights will turn the whole city into a meeting place for equestrian sport fans and culture enthusiasts. The athletes will also find their way to the Katschhof square and make the connection between the sport, the city and the people magically tangible.

Mercedes-Benz, Turkish Airlines, Longines and Sparkasse as strong partners

The preparations for the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 are already in full swing, also beyond the sport: The event can rely on strong partners such as Mercedes-Benz, Turkish Airlines, Longines and the Sparkasse Finanzgruppe, who are setting new benchmarks with their support. “We are delighted to have won over such high-calibre companies as partners,” Michael Mronz, General Manager of Aachener Reitturnier GmbH, emphasised. “Together we aim to organise a major event that will set standards worldwide – for athletes, horses and fans alike.”

Digitally speaking, the major event is also presenting itself in line with the times: The new website www.aachen2026.com already offers a modern, user-friendly experience. The offer will be enhanced by an innovative feature in the near future: An AI-supported chatbot by amberSearch will then be available as a digital contact person, providing added service and interactivity. “We not only want to offer our guests on-site an exceptional experience, but also digitally,” Mronz accentuated. And together with Stefanie Peters he promised: “The entire team of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein and Aachener Reitturnier GmbH will work passionately and with all their hearts to make sure all the guests – whether athletes, horses, partners, media representatives or visitors – enjoy an outstanding experience and an unforgettable time in Aachen from August 11^th– 23^rd, 2026.”

“Individual events are already sold-out. Those, who want to be present at the World Championships, will have to hurry,” Michael Mronz reported. So, anyone, who wants to experience this major sporting and social occasion, should make sure they buy tickets quickly. Tickets are available here online, per telephone on +49-241-9171111 or from the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.