“The WRC ueno Rally del Paraguay is racing towards a historic edition,” said Ricardo Deggeller, Deputy CEO of the event, highlighting that the organisers are forecasting more than 400,000 attendees, 70,000 foreign visitors and an economic impact exceeding USD 200 million.
Encarnación. The WRC ueno Rally del Paraguay 2026 continues to introduce new features and raise expectations ahead of an edition that aims to surpass all the records set during its historic debut in the World Rally Championship. In addition to the increase in the number of kilometres of competition, the expansion of activities for the public and the record projections for visitor numbers and economic impact, there is now news that promises to turn the event’s opening into a true public celebration: Kchiporros will take part in the ceremonial start scheduled for 27 August at the Encarnación Sambódromo.
This was confirmed by the Deputy CEO of the WRC ueno Rally del Paraguay, Ricardo Deggeller, during an interview on the programme Tribuna, broadcast by Paraguay TV, where he outlined the main preparations for an edition that aims to set a new milestone for national motorsport.
As he explained, the organisers are working towards the goal of establishing the Paraguay Rally as one of the most important events on the global calendar.
“The aim is to extend the event and include more days of activities,” said Deggeller, highlighting that this year’s competition will feature 356 kilometres of special stages – a figure higher than last year’s and one that places Paraguay among the longest rounds in the championship.
Unprecedented projections
The organisation’s estimates reflect the enormous growth the event is experiencing.
For the 2026 edition, around 70,000 foreign visitors are expected, with over 400,000 people taking part throughout the week and an economic impact that could exceed USD 200 million.
These figures would once again make the Rally one of the most important sporting and tourist events in Paraguay’s history, with direct benefits for sectors such as hospitality, catering, transport, retail and services.
A nationwide collaborative effort
Deggeller also highlighted that the event is underpinned by an unprecedented level of institutional coordination.
Currently, 42 public institutions are directly involved in the planning and execution of the Rally, coordinating activities relating to safety, health, infrastructure, tourism, emergencies, logistics, transport and communications.
This coordination has been recognised as one of the key strengths by international organisations and WRC stakeholders following the successful organisation of the 2025 edition.
Much more than just a competition
The organisers aim for the WRC ueno Rally del Paraguay to transcend the sporting sphere and become a holistic experience for visitors, families and fans.
In this context, the symbolic start on Thursday 27 August promises to be one of the week’s major highlights. In addition to the traditional parade of teams and drivers, the Encarnación Sambódromo will host public experiences, exhibitions, brand activations, opportunities to interact with competitors, visual effects and a musical show featuring Kchiporros as one of its main attractions.
Encarnación is gearing up for a huge celebration
Alongside the symbolic start activities, there will be an expanded Fan Zone & Service Park, meet-and-greets with drivers, a food park, brand experiences, hospitality areas, fan zones and an entertainment programme designed to allow the public to enjoy the Rally even outside the competition stages.
One of the most eagerly anticipated moments will also be the night stage in Encarnación, which promises to offer an unprecedented experience for fans and become one of the highlights of the weekend.
With more kilometres of competition, more activities for the public, an ever-growing international presence and a projected unprecedented economic impact, the 2026 WRC ueno Rally del Paraguay is set to be a historic event that will once again put Paraguay at the centre of the global motorsport stage.
