WRC Drops US Race from 2026 Lineup

The 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar is now official, revealing a season of subtle adjustments but missing one key addition many had hoped for: a rally in the United States.

The series will begin with its traditional Monte Carlo rally from January 22nd to 25th and

conclude in Saudi Arabia, now hosting the final round two weeks earlier than in 2025. While the core structure of the WRC 2026 schedule remains consistent, there are a few notable changes.

Italy and Japan have switched calendar positions, and for the first time in years, the Italian

round has dropped “Sardinia” from its event name. Croatia re-enters the series on a two-year

contract, replacing the Central European Rally. Minor adjustments include moving the Kenya

and Portugal rounds forward by one week.

Despite ongoing speculation and strategic interest, the long-anticipated WRC USA rally is absent once again. Series organizers have reiterated their focus on deliberate growth, suggesting that while the United States is not on the 2026 roster, it remains central to long-term expansion plans.

One of the most visible updates in the WRC 2026 schedule is the switch between the Japanese and Italian rounds. This shift not only alters the flow of the season but also reflects evolving contractual and logistical considerations. The Italian rally, which had long been synonymous with Sardinia, now appears without the island’s name. The change follows the conclusion of the event’s existing agreement to host the rally there.

Meanwhile, the Croatia Rally marks a return to the global stage after rotating out to the

European Rally Championship (ERC) last season. It enters the World Rally Championship on a fresh two-year agreement, effectively taking the place of the Central European Rally in 2026. These changes illustrate the championship’s attempt to balance traditional rally venues with strategic calendar realignments.

Another slight adjustment in the 2026 calendar involves the rescheduling of the Kenya and

Portugal rallies, both moved a week earlier than in the current season. While minor, these

changes reflect a fine-tuning effort by the WRC to optimize logistics and seasonal flow across global events.

However, the bigger story lies in what’s missing. The absence of a WRC USA rally—despite

growing anticipation and ongoing lobbying—marks a disappointment for American fans and

stakeholders. Motorsport Ireland’s unsuccessful bid to bring the WRC back to Ireland for the

first time since 2009 adds to the sense of missed expansion opportunities. Even as Saudi Arabia, Paraguay, and Spain were welcomed in 2025, the 2026 season takes a more conservative approach to growth.

Despite speculation around the World Rally Championship expanding into new territories, WRC leadership appears committed to a cautious, strategic rollout. The decision to omit a United States round for 2026 suggests a preference for consolidation over rapid geographical growth. While this may frustrate fans looking for greater international representation, it aligns with WRC’s stated aim of building sustainable, high-quality events.

The U.S. remains firmly in the sights of the WRC’s long-term planning. Series officials have

publicly reiterated that America is a critical growth market, both commercially and

competitively. While no concrete plans are finalized for future U.S. inclusion, the groundwork

continues behind the scenes. The 2026 calendar, while conservative, leaves the door open for future developments—possibly as early as 2027.

The WRC 2026 schedule signals a year of steady progression rather than major expansion. Key changes like the return of the Croatia Rally and revised event placements reflect a series

attentive to its core audience and event quality. While the absence of a WRC USA rally may

appear as a setback, it underscores the championship’s commitment to thoughtful, long-term strategy.

With established events kicking off in Monte Carlo and concluding in Saudi Arabia, the World

Rally Championship continues to refine its global footprint. The U.S. may not be on the map in 2026, but the ongoing interest suggests its inclusion is a matter of when, not if.