The grand finale of the 2025-2026 skating season will take place from March 24 to 29 in Prague, Czechia at the ISU Figure Skating World Championships. Fresh off the excitement of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, the best figure skaters from around the world will go head-to-head again in search of a place on the podium.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the World Championships.

What are the World Championships?
The ISU Figure Skating World Championships is the most prestigious figure skating event that brings together the best athletes from across the globe in men’s, women’s, pairs, and ice dance. First held in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1896, the event has been held each year since with only four interruptions.

How are Entries Earned for the World Championships?

There are several key requirements to earn entries for the world championships:

• Performance-Based Quotas: ISU Member nations receive at least one spot in each discipline (men, women, pairs, ice dance), provided they have qualified skaters. Additional spots are secured by higher placements in the previous season’s championship, for a maximum of three entries per discipline per country.
• Minimum Technical Score (TES): All participants must have achieved minimum technical element scores in authorized international competitions during the current or previous season.
• National Federation Selection: Individual skaters or teams are chosen by their respective national governing bodies, which may use national championships or other criteria to fill the spots earned.

Canadians to Watch
Twelve of Canada’s top figure skaters will be competing at the 2026 World Championships, including three ice dance teams, one woman, one man, and two pairs teams. Here are the top athletes to watch.

Ice Dance
Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier
One month after their breathtaking bronze medal win at the Olympic Games, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier will travel to Prague with their sights set on the podium. The event will mark the team’s 13th appearance at the world championships and an opportunity to add another world medal to their collection, which currently sits at 4.

Women
Madeline Schizas
Madeline Schizas will make her sixth world championship appearance in Prague. The three-time Canadian champion will look to build on her career-best performance at the 2025 Championships where she finished in 11th place.

Men
Stephen Gogolev
Following an outstanding breakout performance at the Olympic Games, Stephen Gogolev will make his senior world championship debut in Prague. After battling injuries for several years, Gogolev hit his stride this season, earning his first international gold, first Grand Prix medal, first national title, and a top-5 finish at Milano Cortina 2026. The World Championships will be the cherry on top of an outstanding season.

Pairs
Lia Pereira & Trennt Michaud
Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud will enter the World Championships with renewed confidence after claiming their first national title this year. The duo also made their Olympic debut in Milan where they set three new personal best scores (total, short and free program) and earned an impressive eight-place finish.

What Should I Look Out for at the World Championships?
The event promises athletic excellence, high-stakes competition, and energizing performances. Also be sure to look out for these unique storylines this year:

• Absence of Olympic Champions: The 2026 Olympic gold medallists in men’s, women’s and pairs have opted to skip the World Championships this year, leaving the door open for new champions to emerge.
• Debut Performances: Like Canada’s Stephen Gogolev, several top contenders will be making their world championship debut in Prague, which may cause a shakeup in the results.
• The End of the Quad: From athlete retirements to rising stars, the world championships in an Olympic year not only marks the end of an era but also sets the foundation for the next quadrennial.

How Can I Tune into the Event?
Canadian fans can watch all the figure skating action in Prague on CBC Gem or on the ISU YouTube Channel. Check out the event schedule below to follow along with the excitement – all times are listed in Eastern Time.

Wednesday, March 25
6:30 a.m. – Women Short Program
1:45 p.m. – Pairs Short Program

Thursday, March 26
6:30 a.m. – Men Short Program
1:15 p.m. – Pairs Free Skating

Friday, March 27
6:30 a.m. – Ice Dance Rhythm Dance
1:00 p.m. – Women Free Skating

Saturday, March 28
7:30 a.m. – Men Free Skating
1:30 p.m. – Ice Dance Free Dance

Sunday, March 29
9:30 a.m.- Exhibition Gala

Stay in the loop on the latest updates from Canada’s figure skaters at the 2026 ISU Figure Skating World Championships by following Skate Canada on social media!