The 2026 World Sprint Speed Skating Championships were held at the Thialf stadium in Heerenveen, Netherlands, on 5 and 6 March 2026. Jenning de Boo and Femke Kok became world champions. The former also established a new world record for the sprint combination.
Jordan Stolz, 2026 Olympic gold medalist at the men's 500 and 1000 meter events, participated both in the World Sprint Championship and in the 2026 World Allround Speed Skating Championships that were held on 7 and 8 March. Defending champion Ning Zhongyan also participated.
Jutta Leerdam, 2026 Olympic gold medalist at the women's 1000 meter event, cancelled her participation in the World Sprint Championship. Outgoing champion Miho Takagi is not defending her title and will end her career after the 2026 World Allround Championship. Femke Kok, 2024 runner-up and 2026 Olympic gold medalist at the women's 500 meter event, is participating.
All times are local (UTC+1).