WRC Confirms 2026 Calendar with Major Date Changes

WRC, Sportrik Media – The World Rally Championship has officially confirmed its 2026 calendar, featuring 14 rounds and several significant date changes, but once again no event in the United States despite its status as a long term target market.

As in recent seasons, the year will begin with the iconic Monte Carlo Rally in January, followed by the winter challenge of Rally Sweden and the heat of the Safari Rally Kenya in February and March.

Croatia Rally returns to its traditional April slot as round four after spending a season in the European Rally Championship, before the asphalt double header continues with the Rally Islas Canarias. A major change follows in May, with the Rally Portugal opening the European gravel season and the Rally Japan moving forward from November to late May in order to reduce the impact of road sweeping on early championship leaders.

The season reaches its midpoint at the Acropolis Rally in Greece, before two high speed gravel events at the Rally Estonia and Rally Finland. South America then hosts its familiar double header with the Rally Paraguay and Rally Chile.

The Rally Italy moves to early October, although the specific venue has yet to be confirmed, with Rally di Roma Capitale widely believed to be bidding to replace Sardinia. The season will conclude with the Rally Saudi Arabia in November, meaning the Central European Rally has dropped off the calendar due to economic constraints.

WRC Promoter managing director Jona Siebel said the 2026 calendar “is built with purpose”, adding that the sequence of events reflects feedback from teams, drivers and stakeholders to ensure the sporting fight remains as fair and competitive as possible.

2026 World Rally Championship Calendar