The 1986 Individual Speedway World Championship was the 41st edition of the official World Championship to determine the world champion rider.
Hans Nielsen finally won his first world title after finishing in second place during the two previous Championships. He lost his first ride to arch rival and defending champion Erik Gundersen but then won his next four rides to be crowned the champion. Fellow Dane Jan O. Pedersen took silver and England's Kelvin Tatum took the bronze while Gundersen faded into tenth place.
It was the fourth final to be held at the Silesian Stadium in Poland.
First round
British qualification
- Riders progress to British semi-finals
Second round
British semi-finals
Swedish qualification
- Top 8 in heat 1, top 7 in heat 2 to Swedish final
Australian qualification
Third round
Continental preliminary round
Australian Final
- Top 4 to Commonwealth Final plus 1 reserve
New Zealand Final
British Final
Danish Final
Swedish Finals
Fourth round
Continental quarter-finals
- Top 32 to Continental semi-finals
American Final
Commonwealth Final
Fifth round
Continental semi-finals
Nordic Final
Overseas Final
Sixth round
Continental Final
Intercontinental Final
World Final
References