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BTCC 2026 Calendar Adjusted to Avoid FIFA World Cup Clashes
The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) has announced a revised schedule for its 2026 season, adjusting several race dates to avoid clashes with the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States from 11 June to 19 July.
This proactive move aims to ensure that motorsport fans can enjoy both premier racing and football events without scheduling conflicts.
Key Calendar Changes:
- Thruxton: Originally slated for early June, the Thruxton round has been rescheduled to 25–26 July.
- Croft: This event moves from its traditional July slot to 5–6 September.
- Oulton Park: Typically held in late June, Oulton Park will now take place earlier, on 6–7 June.
These adjustments result in a shift from the usual even split of races before and after the summer break. In 2026, there will be four rounds before the World Cup and six afterwards, leading to a more condensed schedule in the latter part of the season.
Despite these changes, the BTCC maintains its traditional structure, with the season commencing at Donington Park on 18–19 April and concluding at Brands Hatch on 10–11 October.
BTCC 2026 Calendar Confirmed
- Donington Park National - 18-19 April
- Brands Hatch Indy - 9-10 May
- Snetterton - 23-24 May
- Oulton Park - 6-7 June
- Thruxton - 25-26 July
- Knockhill - 8-9 August
- Donington Park GP - 22-23 August
- Croft - 5-6 September
- Silverstone - 26-27 September
- Brands Hatch GP - 10-11 October
Series boss Alan Gow commented on the revisions, stating:
“It is a very busy summer in the sporting calendar, particularly with the football World Cup, which presents ITV with some clashing commitments. However, it also gave us an opportunity to make some tweaks to the schedule, which includes the shift in dates to the likes of Thruxton and Croft.”
“Once again, releasing the calendar to our teams, support races, stakeholders and the public this early is advantageous for all in forward-planning, whilst it also benefits the rest of the motorsport pyramid in the UK as they can also schedule their events with these dates in mind.”
This decision reflects the BTCC's commitment to its fan base, recognizing the widespread interest in both motorsport and international football. By adjusting the calendar, the BTCC ensures that fans won't have to choose between watching their favourite touring car races and supporting their national football teams.
For teams and organisers, this change necessitates adjustments in logistics, preparation, and strategy. An earlier start or extended season could impact vehicle development timelines, testing schedules, and resource allocation. However, the BTCC's foresight in announcing this change well in advance provides ample time for all stakeholders to adapt accordingly.
World Cup 2026 Schedule Confirmed
(Image: Fifa)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with matches played across 16 cities.
In the U.S., games will be held in major venues such as MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey), SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles), and AT&T Stadium (Dallas). Canada will host matches in Toronto and Vancouver, while Mexico’s fixtures will take place in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The opening match will kick off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and the final will be held at MetLife Stadium.
The expanded format will include 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group—and the eight best third-placed teams—advancing to a new Round of 32. This change promises more matches and broader global representation.
Fans interested in attending can find ticket information and register their interest through FIFA’s official website. For the full match schedule, team details, and stadium breakdown, FIFA has provided comprehensive coverage on their official 2026 tournament page.
USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter added on the announcement of the schedule:
“It's great to finally learn where we will be for the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. It brings it to life and makes it exciting. We would have been happy at any of the venues because we know the home support is going to be incredible in this World Cup. We know where we're at and now we can start planning which is a big part of it. We know from the last World Cup how important it is to get the environment right. We look forward to an amazing World Cup.”
“I mentioned that all the venues I think are going to be spectacular for the World Cup and that includes in Canada and Mexico. It’s going to be a special World Cup to have the final in New York/New Jersey. It’s a dream come true for me being from the area and I'm sure for most people from that area. It’s an area with a rich soccer tradition and known for producing players. To think about when I was little going to watch the Cosmos and then selling out Giants Stadium and now this stadium is going to host a World Cup final, it's really special.”
Watch The BTCC & World Cup in 2026
These proactive changes aim to ensure that BTCC fans can enjoy uninterrupted coverage of both the championship and the World Cup.
For the full revised 2026 BTCC calendar and more details, visit the official BTCC website or stay tuned to Blackcircles for further updates.