The 1979 Individual Speedway World Championship was the 34th edition of the official World Championship to determine the world champion rider. In his 14th straight World Final appearance (dating back to 1966), New Zealand's Ivan Mauger won his 6th Speedway World Championship, breaking the previous record of 5 wins held by himself and legendary Swede Ove Fundin. Mauger scored 14 points to defeat local favourite Zenon Plech (13) and young English tearaway Michael Lee (11), with Lee the only rider to defeat Mauger on the day. Lee also had to defeat Kelly Moran (USA), Billy Sanders (Australia) and defending champion Ole Olsen in a runoff for third after all four riders finished on 11 points. This would prove to be the last appearance for Ivan Mauger as a rider in a World Final. Qualification results.

First round

British qualification

Similar to the previous season, the Sunday Mirror sponsored British qualifying rounds for the World Championship doubled up as qualifying rounds for the Berger-sponsored Grand Prix. Therefore, many non-British riders such as Scott Autrey and Ivan Mauger rode in these meetings scoring points towards the Grand Prix qualification - but their scores didn't count towards World Championship qualification. The Rye House track flooded so the event was moved to Hackney.

Second round

Swedish qualification

Continental Preliminary round

British semi-finals

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New Zealand Final

Australian Final

Third round

Continental quarter-finals

American semi-finals

British Final

Australasian Final

Danish Final

Norwegian Final

Finland Final

Swedish Final

Fourth round

Continental semi-finals

American Final

Commonwealth Final

Nordic Final

Fifth round

Continental Final

Intercontinental Final

World Final