The 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) has officially shifted its final round from Saudi Arabia to Italy due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East. Initially scheduled for 11-14 November, the championship will now conclude with the Rally Italia in Sardinia from 1-4 October.

The Rally Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, which joined the WRC calendar in 2025, will still occur on the planned dates but will be part of the Middle East Rally Championship. The FIA, the global governing body for motor sports, stated that Saudi Arabia was prepared to host the event safely, but logistical challenges stemming from regional uncertainty necessitated the change.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the difficulty of the decision, noting the extensive preparations made for the event. He expressed confidence in the organizers and the future of the rally despite the WRC component being canceled this year.

As the championship approaches its conclusion, Great Britain's Elfyn Evans leads the WRC standings, holding a 17-point advantage over Finland's Sami Pajari. With 35 points available in the final round, Evans aims to secure his first title, joining the ranks of former British champions Colin McRae and Richard Burns.

The decision reflects a broader trend, as other sporting events, including Formula One races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, have also been canceled or relocated due to regional conflicts, including the ongoing Israel-Gaza war and tensions involving Iran and Yemen.

Additionally, incidents affecting other sports in the region have raised concerns, with athletes like Matt Fitzpatrick expressing discomfort about traveling to Dubai for upcoming events.