The ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2026 got underway in the historic city of Prague, promising five days of elite artistry and fierce competition across all four disciplines.
The spotlight early on belonged to Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, who topped the women’s short program with a composed and technically sharp performance. Chasing a potential fourth world title, Sakamoto looked in control, saying, “I just focused on skating clean and enjoying the moment.”
Close behind was compatriot Mone Chiba, while the United States’ Amber Glenn electrified the arena by landing the only triple Axel of the segment—earning her a well-deserved place in the top three. “That jump gave me confidence,” Glenn noted after her skate.
The championships, running from March 25 to 29, feature a packed schedule with men’s, pairs, ice dance, and women’s events unfolding across short programs and free skates before the grand exhibition gala.
With medals yet to be decided, the competition remains wide open. However, early performances—highlighted by Sakamoto’s consistency and Glenn’s technical risk—have already set the stage for a thrilling finish in Prague.
As the free programs approach, the battle for podium places is expected to intensify, with skaters pushing both technical boundaries and artistic expression on the world stage.
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