India’s D Gukesh is preparing for one of the biggest challenges of his young chess career as he gets ready to defend his World Championship title against Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov. Five time world champion Magnus Carlsen has now weighed in on the highly anticipated contest, identifying Sindarov as the favourite while also stressing that the match could change quickly depending on the psychological momentum between the two players.
Speaking in Bengaluru during the Global Chess League, Carlsen said there is currently no doubt in his mind that Sindarov should be considered the favourite. However, he also pointed out that Gukesh has the ability to change the balance of the contest by putting his opponent under pressure. Carlsen noted that chess is heavily influenced by confidence and psychology, meaning that a strong start from either player could have an important impact on the remainder of the match.
Gukesh enters the contest as the defending world champion after winning the title in 2024. His next opponent, Sindarov, earned the right to challenge for the crown after winning the 2026 Candidates Tournament. The match is scheduled to begin in Geneva on November 24, 2026.
The upcoming contest has attracted considerable attention because both players are among the leading young talents in international chess. Gukesh became world champion at a remarkably young age and has already established himself at the highest level of classical chess. Sindarov, meanwhile, has continued to make significant progress and has emerged as a serious challenger after his success in the Candidates Tournament.
Carlsen’s assessment is particularly significant because of his experience at the highest level. The Norwegian grandmaster has won the World Championship five times and understands the pressure involved in both winning and competing for the title. His comments suggest that he currently sees Sindarov as the more convincing player heading into the match.
At the same time, Carlsen has not ruled out Gukesh’s chances. Instead, he has stressed the importance of the psychological battle. According to Carlsen, Gukesh would not need a major shift to put Sindarov under pressure. A few strong games or an unexpected result could potentially create doubts in Sindarov’s mind and give the Indian champion greater confidence.
This makes the opening games especially important. If Sindarov manages to establish an early lead, Gukesh could find himself under additional pressure as he attempts to protect his championship status. On the other hand, a strong start from Gukesh could quickly change the narrative and force Sindarov to respond to the pressure of challenging the reigning champion.
Carlsen has also suggested that Gukesh should not think of the match only as a title defence. He believes the Indian should approach the contest as an opportunity. This perspective could be important for a young player dealing with the unique pressure of being the defending world champion. Instead of concentrating on what he has to lose, Gukesh can focus on what another World Championship victory could add to his career.
The difference in their current situations could also influence the match. Gukesh has the responsibility of defending the crown, while Sindarov enters as the challenger with an opportunity to claim the title for the first time. The contrasting positions could create different forms of pressure for the two players.
Recent performances have also added interest to the matchup. Sindarov has shown strong form and defeated Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand during the opening day of the 2026 Global Chess League in Bengaluru. His performances have reinforced the perception that he will be a difficult opponent for Gukesh.
Viswanathan Anand has also discussed the difficulties involved in defending a world title. Anand noted that Gukesh is experiencing a situation that he himself has faced, particularly the challenge of discovering that previous methods of achieving success may not always produce the same results after becoming champion.
For Gukesh, the challenge will therefore involve more than preparation on the chessboard. He will have to manage expectations, maintain confidence and respond to the pressure of facing an opponent whom one of the sport’s greatest champions currently rates as the favourite.
Sindarov will also face his own challenge. Being labelled the favourite can create additional expectations, especially in a World Championship match where every game can have a major psychological impact. Carlsen’s comments suggest that Gukesh could use that pressure to his advantage if he manages to produce strong performances early in the contest.
Ultimately, Carlsen’s prediction does not mean that the outcome is already decided. He has acknowledged Gukesh’s potential and believes the psychological balance can change during the match. The contest between Gukesh and Sindarov is therefore expected to be closely watched, with the opening games likely to play an important role in establishing momentum.
The World Championship match will provide Gukesh with an opportunity to show whether he can overcome the pressure of defending his crown against one of the fastest rising players in world chess. Sindarov, meanwhile, will look to turn his recent progress into a historic championship victory. With Carlsen backing Sindarov as the current favourite, the pressure on both young grandmasters will only add to the significance of the contest.