Image: Infront Moto Racing

The 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated MXGP seasons in recent memory, with an injection of young talent and the two most successful current Grand Prix riders finding new homes after long tenures with their respective manufacturers – and it all kicks off this weekend in Bariloche, Argentina!

Eight former world champions (MXGP/MX2) with a combined total of eighteen titles will line up behind the gate in South America in the premier class, reflecting the immense depth of this year’s World Championship field. Former MX2 World Champions Tom Vialle (Honda HRC Petronas), Kay de Wolf (Nestaan Husqvarna), and Andrea Adamo (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) are all making the step up for this campaign.

The well documented team changes of five-time World Champions Jeffrey Herlings and Tim Gajser provide another compelling storyline heading into the new season, following their long and successful runs with their previous manufacturers. Pair that with the dominant campaigns reigning World Champion Romain Febvre and runner-up Lucas Coenen delivered last year, and it feels almost impossible to lock in a clear title favourite before the first gate even drops. Honestly, you could make a case for an endless list of riders to be in or around the podium, right?

Maxime Renaux, Pauls Jonass, Ruben Fernandez, Jeremy Seewer, Calvin Vlaanderen, Andrea Bonacorsi, Thibault Benistant, Jago Geerts, and Mattia Guadagnini, to name just a few. And I’m still probably forgetting a handful of riders who, on their day, could make a serious case for an overall podium finish.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing pilot Simon Längenfelder heads into the season looking to defend his number one plate in the MX2 class, with many believing this campaign sets up well for a successful title defence. Outside of the German, only two riders in the current field have stood on the top step of an MX2 Grand Prix podium – Liam Everts (Nestaan Husqvarna) and Sacha Coenen (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing De Carli).

You could make a fair argument that MX2 is lacking clear narratives heading into the season, especially when juxtaposed with the depth and star power of the MXGP class. However, I actually think that could make for a more entertaining championship, right?

The likelihood of a first-time winner at some stage this season feels high, which opens the door for plenty of career milestones among Europe’s emerging talent. Only Camden McLellan has multiple podium finishes to his name (three), while Mathis Valin, Guillem Farrés, Valerio Lata, and Ferruccio Zanchi have each stood on the podium just once.

This is shaping up to be an incredible year, and we can’t wait for it to kick off this weekend. Be sure to keep an eye on all Cult Moto social platforms for pre- and post-race content, including rider and team personnel interviews, riding footage, and everything in between. The 2026 season is here, let’s go!