With a world-class line-up and a vibrant atmosphere throughout the stadium and stable areas, the FEI Jumping World Championship Aachen 2026 is ready for a week of top-level show jumping – from tomorrow onwards every second and every jump will count.

The stage is set, the world’s best show jumping horses have settled into their quarters and all the equine stars have confidently passed the vet check and are officially “fit to compete.” An atmosphere of intense focus and anticipation fills the stable aisles; the stables are lovingly decorated in national colours, creating an impressive display of the international diversity that prevails at the FEI Jumping World Championship Aachen 2026. The German team is presenting a unified front, not only in the sporting context, but also in appearance. Belts, bracelets, cups and other accessories in black, red and gold are turning the riders into style-setters in the stables area. The team spirit is further enhanced by a special World Championship WhatsApp group and a tournament playlist curated by the national coach, Otto Becker – the soundtrack for a week characterised by world titles, medals and memorable occasions. “Very exciting days with an incredibly strong and large field of competitors lie ahead of us. There could well be a surprise or two in store,” the European Champion, Richard Vogel, commented, adding with a smile: “Hopefully only positive ones for us.” The sporting conditions are ideal: “Our horses look very fresh and highly motivated – now it is up to us riders to do a really good job. All in all, we are looking forward to the week with great optimism.”

As to be expected at a championships event, the competition is formidable. Over the coming days, practically the entire global elite of show jumping will come together on the holy grass of the Main Stadium. Aachen is playing host to the sport’s top current riders, including the double World Champion, Henrik von Eckermann from Sweden; the Swiss duo, Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs, who are both in top form; as well as the entire British Olympic gold medal-winning team from Paris in 2024, comprising of Ben Maher, Scott Brash and Harry Charles. They are joined by top squads from Ireland, the USA, Belgium and the Netherlands, all of whom have travelled to Aachen with star-studded teams. The sporting action at the FEI Jumping World Championship kicks off tomorrow with the speed class, the Turkish Airlines-Prize. Putting in a fast, clear round here means much more than simply getting the tournament off to a successful start: The result namely counts towards both the team and individual standings and can set the course for the rest of the week right from day one. Only those, who consistently deliver strong performances throughout the event will be able to keep their hopes up of claiming a medal in the individual final – the LONGINES-Prize – the thrilling conclusion on the afternoon of 23 August. Prior to that, the team competition will be decided on Thursday and Friday in the course of the Mercedes-Benz Prize, when the riders will compete against a backdrop with a sea of ​​flags, intense emotions and a loudly cheering crowd.

For Henrik von Eckermann, the FEI World Championships in Aachen hold special significance. “I watched Aachen the first time about 20 years ago – ever since then it has been my dream to experience it myself one day,” the Swedish show-jumper noted. From a sporting perspective, the double World Champion, is tackling the challenge with a combination between respect and confidence: “I am very cautious about setting big targets. The circumstances are different this time compared to four years ago. Back then, King Edward was the clear favourite, now I am competing with Minute Man, who has shown great promise, but hasn’t quite reached the same level yet. So, I am going to take it day by day. I know Minute Man is a horse with a lot of potential and great quality.” Von Eckermann summed up his high esteem for the venue as follows, capturing perfectly the shared sentiment of his fellow competitors: “Aachen is simply the mecca of our sport. There is nothing else like it. It is not just the atmosphere in the stadium, everything behind the scenes is perfect, too – the conditions for the horses, riders and grooms. This complete package is what makes Aachen the best of the best.” With these words in mind, and a world-class field of competitors set to take the stage, one thing is certain: When the starting bell rings tomorrow, a week kicks off in Aachen that will showcase the full allure of show jumping.