From 22 to 27 September 2026, the 48th WorldSkills Competition will be hosted in Shanghai, China. Guided by the goal of delivering an “innovative and influential” WorldSkills Competition, WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau, with strong support from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People’s Republic of China, the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, and WorldSkills International, is preparing to inspire a generation by putting the world’s most skilled young people on the global stage for skills.

Today, we announce that international media registration for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is officially open, for international media organizations, Members, and Global Partners and Event Sponsors. To apply for accreditation and access further information, visit https://worldskills2026.com/press.

The 48th WorldSkills Competition will take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) Shanghai – the world‘s largest exhibition complex. An estimated 1,400 Competitors from 73 countries and regions will compete in 64 skills, including seven new emerging occupations. Skills range from Robotics, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity to Aircraft Maintenance, Cooking, and Welding.

Skills are the foundation of thriving economies and inclusive societies. As the world navigates technological transformation, the green transition, and rapid industrial change, the demand for skilled talent has never been greater. Investing in skills means investing in productivity, innovation, and the long-term prosperity of nations – making skills development one of the most pressing priorities of our time.

Held every two years, the WorldSkills Competition is the world’s largest international gathering of skills talent. Each Competitor has earned their place through national and regional selection competitions, arriving in Shanghai proudly carrying their flag on the world stage.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Competition will have the chance to experience the WorldSkills Expo featuring immersive Try-a-Skill activities that invite people of all ages to discover their potential.

Held alongside the Competition, WorldSkills Conference 2026: Shaping a Skills-Driven Future, will convene Ministers, policymakers, industry leaders, and educators to discuss one of the defining questions of our time: how skills can drive economic growth, technological transformation, and social inclusion.

The Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony will be held at the Shanghai World Expo Cultural Center on 22 September and 27 September, presenting spectacular ceremonies that blend technology, art, and culture with world-class artistic standards and rich cultural depth.

The Opening Ceremony will bring a moment of global unity as Competitors from over 70 countries and regions parade together, each proudly representing their flag on the on the world stage. The Closing Ceremony, after four intense days of competition, will announce the results as medals are presented to the world’s best skilled talent across all 64 skills.

Accredited media will have the opportunity to cover skill competitions and international Competitors, and will be invited to apply for access to key events, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and the WorldSkills Conference.

From the Huangpu Riverbank to the world stage, every frame of determination and every moment of skills excellence deserves to be captured by lenses and chronicled by pens. We warmly invite friends from global media to convey to the world the inspiring power when you Master Skills, Change Your Future.

Key Dates for the 48th WorldSkills Competition:

• 22 September 2026: Opening Ceremony
• 23–25September 2026: WorldSkills Conference 2026
• 23–26September 2026: Competition Days and WorldSkills Expo
• 27 September 2026: Closing Ceremony (Medal presentation)

To provide high-quality services to global media, two media centers will be set up during the event: the Main Media Centre, located at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) Shanghai – will serve as the primary workplace for media during the event; the Ceremonies Media Centre, located at the Opening and Closing Ceremony venue – the Shanghai World Expo Cultural Center – will be open to media during the Ceremonies. The WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau will uphold the “media forward” approach, delivering efficient, practical and professional services for accredited media.

About WorldSkills International

WorldSkills International is a global movement of more than 120 countries and regions united by a shared belief in the power of skills. Working together to promote skills excellence and raise standards in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), WorldSkills inspires young people around the world to pursue skills as a pathway to personal success.

Every two years, the WorldSkills Competition brings this movement to life on the world stage –  the largest international skills competition on the planet, showcasing excellence, setting global benchmarks, and proving that skills can change lives and shape economies.

For more information, visit https://worldskills.org

About WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is the 48th WorldSkills Competition, taking place from 22 to 27 September 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai, China.

Hosted by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People’s Republic of China, the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, and WorldSkills International.

For more information, visit https://worldskills2026.com