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

Second round

British semi-finals

Swedish qualification

Australian qualification

Third round

Continental preliminary round

Australian Final

New Zealand Final

British Final

Danish Final

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Norwegian Final

Finland Final

Swedish Finals

Fourth round

Continental quarter-finals

American Final

Commonwealth Final

Fifth round

Continental semi-finals

Nordic Final

Overseas Final

Sixth round

Continental Final

Intercontinental Final

World Final