The 1988 Individual Speedway World Championship was the 43rd edition of the official World Championship to determine the world champion rider. The final was held at the Vojens Speedway Center, owned by former World Champion Ole Olsen. Despite the country having won seven World Individual Championships between three riders since 1971 (Olsen, Erik Gundersen and Hans Nielsen), it was the first time Denmark hosted the World Final. Gundersen renewed his fierce rivalry with Nielsen as both finished on 14 points to tie for the lead of the Championship. However it was Gundersen that won the toss to choose his starting gate for the run-off. He chose the outside and on a wet track he won his third title by defeating Nielsen in the run-off. Fellow Dane Jan O. Pedersen completed a clean sweep for Denmark by taking the bronze medal.

First round

Qualification results.

British qualification

Second round

West German Final

Netherlands/Belgium Final

Italian Final

Hungarian Final

Australian qualification

• Due to the rules, England's Rob Woffinden did not progress to the Australian Championship

New Zealand qualification

British semi-finals

Swedish qualification

Third round

Continental preliminary round

British Final

Australian Final

New Zealand Final

Fourth round

Continental quarter-finals

Danish Final

Norway Final

Finland Final

Swedish Final

American Final

Commonwealth Final

Fifth round

Continental semi-finals

Nordic Final

Overseas Final

Sixth round

Continental Final

Intercontinental Final

World Final