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World Figure Skating Championships Begin in Boston

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, March 26th 2026 at 11:46 GMT by NBC Sports
      Locales: JAPAN, UNITED STATES

BOSTON, MA - March 26th, 2026 - The TD Garden in Boston is buzzing with anticipation as the 2026 ISU World Figure Skating Championships officially kick off today, showcasing the incredible athleticism and artistry of the world's top skaters. Comprehensive coverage across Peacock, USA Network, and NBC promises to bring all the drama and excitement to a global audience. The event, running through March 30th, features competition in Men's, Ladies', Pairs, and Ice Dance disciplines, culminating in the highly anticipated Team Event.

This year's championships are particularly noteworthy, not just for the level of competition, but for the continued evolution of the sport. The push for technical innovation is undeniably led by American skater Ilia Malinin, who etched his name into the history books as the first skater to successfully land a quadruple axel in competition. He arrives in Boston as the clear favorite, carrying the weight of expectation and the hopes of the home crowd. However, the field is fiercely competitive. Japan's Shoma Uno, a consistent performer and former World Champion, poses a significant threat, alongside rising stars like South Korea's Cha Jun-hwan, who have been consistently challenging Malinin in recent international events.

On the ladies' side, the competition is equally thrilling. All eyes will be on American champion Amber Glenn, fresh off her impressive 2024 national title win. Glenn has become a fan favorite, known for her expressive programs and growing technical prowess. She faces stiff competition from Russia's Alena Kostornaia, a skater with a proven track record on the world stage, and Japan's Rika Kihira, a veteran known for her stunning triple axel. The depth of talent in the ladies' field suggests a potentially unpredictable battle for the gold.

The Pairs and Ice Dance events promise to be equally captivating. In Pairs skating, defending champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps of Canada will look to retain their title, but China's Peng Cheng and Jin Yang, known for their powerful throws and lifts, are poised to challenge their reign. The Ice Dance competition features the reigning World Champions, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, a dynamic duo who consistently deliver captivating performances. However, they will be pushed by Italy's Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri, and the young, ambitious Canadian pair of Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha.

Detailed Coverage Schedule

The championships are already underway, with the Junior events taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, exclusively on Peacock. Today, Thursday, March 26th, the schedule features the Junior Pairs competition (10 a.m. - 11 a.m. ET) and Junior Ice Dance (1 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET), both streaming live on Peacock. Friday focuses on the Ladies' Short Program (3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. ET, Peacock), while Saturday will showcase the Men's Short Program (10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. ET, Peacock) and the Pairs Short Program (1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET, Peacock).

The culmination of the championship takes place on Sunday, with the Ladies' Free Skate (8 a.m. - 10 a.m. ET, NBC & Peacock) and the Free Dance (1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET, NBC & Peacock) being broadcast live on both NBC and Peacock, ensuring maximum accessibility for viewers.

The growing popularity of figure skating, fueled by athletes like Malinin who are constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible, has significantly broadened its viewership. The strategic broadcast partnership between NBC Sports and Peacock allows fans to choose their preferred viewing experience - live coverage on linear television or on-demand streaming. The increased accessibility is expected to draw a record audience to both the event in Boston and the broadcasts worldwide.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the World Championships serve as a platform for artistic expression, captivating storytelling through music and movement, and inspiring a new generation of skaters. This year's event promises to be a memorable showcase of all these elements, with Malinin and Glenn leading a field of exceptional athletes vying for world titles and the adoration of fans worldwide. Fans can find detailed schedules, streaming information, and athlete profiles on NBCSports.com.