The 1971 Individual Speedway World Championship was the 26th edition of the official World Championship to determine the world champion rider. Ole Olsen became the first Danish winner of the Championship. His 15 point maximum denied Ivan Mauger from winning a fourth consecutive title. Mauger won the silver medal run-off against Bengt Jansson.

Format changes

The format of the Championship changed again for the 1971 event. This time the Swedish riders were allowed six places in the World Final to be held in Sweden. All other nations had to go through the European Final route to provide the remaining 10 riders for the World Final.

First round

Qualification results.

British/Commonwealth qualifying

Second round

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Norwegian qualifying

Finnish qualifying (top 8)

Continental qualifying

British/Commonwealth semi-finals

Third round

British/Commonwealth Final

Nordic Final

Continental semi-finals

Fourth round

Swedish qualifying

British/Commonwealth/Nordic Final

Continental Final

Fifth round

Swedish Finals

European Final

World Final

Note : Vladimir Gordeev was disqualified after illegal additives were found in his fuel.