WRC Ueno Rally of Paraguay 2026: Paraguay back on the world stage

Paraguay is preparing to host the World Rally Championship (WRC) for the second time, in what promises to be one of the most relevant sporting events of the year. The WRC Ueno Rally of Paraguay 2026 will take place from 27 to 30 August in the Itapúa department and will be round 11 of the world calendar for the season.

The return of the WRC to Paraguayan soil is no accident: it is the result of a historic debut that left an indelible mark on international motorsport. The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) named the WRC Rally of Paraguay 2025 the Best Rally in the World, an award presented at the FIA Annual Gala held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The accolade recognises organisational excellence, sporting impact, innovation, safety and the experience delivered to spectators.

The Paraguayan event was chosen above venues with a long WRC tradition such as Portugal, Finland and Japan, as well as newer additions like Saudi Arabia. It is the first time in the history of the WRC that a debut event has won this prize.

The numbers from the debut speak for themselves: the 2025 edition delivered a significant economic impact, drew 210,000 spectators across four days and was broadcast in 106 countries. Drivers and teams described the Paraguayan public as "the most passionate on the calendar", cementing the country's image as a world-class host.

For the 2026 edition, the rally will be the longest on the entire world calendar, with 22 special stages totalling 356.04 timed kilometres and an expected entry of around 60 crews. The route will cover areas such as Cambyretá, Nueva Alborada, Yerbateras, Bella Vista, Hohenau, Trinidad, Artigas and Encarnación, finishing at the Molino de San Miguel sector.

The WRC Ueno Rally of Paraguay 2026 is positioned as a strategic platform for visibility, positioning and engagement with local and international audiences. In addition to the FIA award, the event was also recognised with the Award for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism, granted by UN Tourism together with the FIA.

For more information: www.rallydelparaguay.com | Official WRC calendar: www.wrc.com/en/calendar