Aachen 2026 T-2 Days: Complete Schedule, Events, and TV Coverage

The countdown is coming to an end. From August 11 to August 23, 2026, the legendary Soers arena in Aachen will host the FEI World Championships. During 13 days of intense competition, more than 800 horse-and-rider combinations from nearly 70 nations will compete to claim one of the 25 world titles distributed across 6 disciplines. Also at stake: the first qualifying tickets for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, and Para-Dressage.

To analyze the contenders and see the anticipated matchups on the tracks, also check out our detailed review of the favorites for the 2026 Aachen World Championships.

Understanding the Disciplines at a Glance

To fully enjoy the events, here is a quick summary of how each discipline represented at this global gathering works:

• Show Jumping: The goal is to complete a course of removable fences without committing any faults (dropped rails, refusals) and within the allowed time. To understand all the intricacies of scoring and qualifications, be sure to read our complete guide to show jumping.
• Dressage: Often compared to equestrian figure skating, Dressage evaluates the suppleness, precision, and control of the horse through prescribed movements (Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special). The marquee event remains the Grand Prix Freestyle (Kür), where the rider performs a custom choreography set to tailored music.
• Eventing: A true equestrian triathlon testing the versatility of the combination through three successive tests: Dressage, the premier Cross-Country test (fixed natural obstacles tackled at high speed), and Show Jumping.
• Four-in-Hand Driving: Spectacular and technical, this discipline features three phases: the precision of Dressage, the physical power of the Marathon (a technical course of driving obstacles), and the mastery of Cones (slaloming between cones topped with balls).
• Vaulting: Blending equestrianism and acrobatic gymnastics, Vaulting features athletes performing compulsory and freestyle routines on the back of a horse cantering in a circle, controlled by a longeur.
• Para-Dressage: A Paralympic discipline reserved for riders with physical or visual impairments. Competitions are divided into five impairment grades (Grades I to V), with adapted tests ranging from walk-only movements to canter for the less impacted grades.

The Complete Event-by-Event Schedule

Week 1: Dressage, Eventing, Vaulting, and Driving

The first week highlights precision, the composure of cross-country, and the spectacle of driving:

• Dressage (Main Stadium):
  • Tuesday, August 11 & Wednesday, August 12: Grand Prix (Individual qualifier & Team title final awarded on Wednesday).
  • Friday, August 14: Grand Prix Special Individual Final.
  • Saturday, August 15 (Evening): Grand Prix Freestyle to Music Individual Final.
• Eventing:
  • Thursday, August 13 & Friday, August 14: Dressage Test.
  • Saturday, August 15: Cross-Country Test in the Soers park.
  • Sunday, August 16: Show Jumping Test in the Main Stadium and individual and team medal ceremonies.
• Vaulting (Stadium 3 / Allianz Park):
  • Thursday, August 13 to Sunday, August 16: Individual Competitions (Women/Men), Pas de Deux, Squads. Decisive finals on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16.
• Four-in-Hand Driving:
  • Thursday, August 13 & Friday, August 14: Dressage Test.
  • Saturday, August 15: Spectacular Marathon Phase.
  • Sunday, August 16: Cones Competition and final podiums.

Transition Day: Monday, August 17

No official competition today. The complex opens its doors to the general public for the Allianz Park Day, offering equestrian demonstrations, family entertainment, and shows from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Week 2: Show Jumping and Para-Dressage

The second week gathers show jumping on the large turf arena and para-dressage:

• Show Jumping (Main Stadium):
  • Tuesday, August 18: Official training sessions open to the public.
  • Wednesday, August 19: Opening speed class (The Hunt).
  • Friday, August 21 (Evening): Team Final under the lights of the main stadium.
  • Sunday, August 23: Two-round Individual Final.
• Para-Dressage (Stadium 3):
  • Tuesday, August 18 to Thursday, August 20: Para Grand Prix A and B tests for all Grades (I to V).
  • Friday, August 21: Team Final.
  • Sunday, August 23: Individual Freestyle to Music Final for all grades.

Where and How to Follow the Competition Live

Whether you are in front of your TV or on a mobile screen, several broadcasting setups are deployed:

• In the US & Streaming Platforms: Live coverage and replays of the events are widely available globally through streaming networks and official broadcast partners.
• Full Video Streaming (All Disciplines): All competitions (Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumping, Driving, Vaulting, Para-Dressage) are broadcast live on the platform ClipMyHorse.TV / FEI.TV.
  Good to know: The official FEI.TV feed offers a multi-language selector allowing you to choose commentaries in English, French, or German.
• In the Heart of the City of Aachen: If you are lucky enough to be there without a grandstand ticket, the free Aachen WM Special festival broadcasts the events on giant screens in the city center (Market Square and Katschhof) accompanied by concerts and entertainment. Additionally, the city is beautifully decorated through shop and window dressing campaigns.