World Trophy champions Italy arrive in Grândola with a firm target on their backs

Every year, the pressure to win the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations mounts as the start line approaches, but with 2026 marking its one-hundredth edition, the stakes could not be higher.

Up to five-hundred competitors from over thirty nations will arrive in the Alentejo region of central Portugal, focused on finishing the longest-running off-road event on the FIM calendar at the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations in Grândola. For many, it is a bucket-list adventure, but for those representing their country in the World Trophy category, the pressure is on to deliver the best result possible.

As the defending World Trophy champions, Italy will arrive in Grândola with a firm target on their backs. On home soil in Bergamo, they raced to an emphatic victory in 2025 and will be hoping for a repeat performance in 2026. Led by the newly crowned FIM Enduro2 World Champion, Andrea Verona (KTM), Italy fields a stellar line-up that will be fast from the off.

Sweden placed as runners-up in 2025, growing stronger with each passing day of the race. In Italy, many regarded them as the underdogs, but they impressed with speed, consistency and determination. With confidence riding high in the Swedish camp, they will be looking to taste success once more.

Champions in 2024, France completed the World Trophy podium in 2025 with third overall. For their 2026 campaign, they strengthen their line-up with the addition of Zach Pichon (TM MOTO). Having fought for the FIM Enduro2 World Championship with Verona for the past two seasons, Pichon has proven himself as France’s fastest enduro rider and now will get a chance to shine on the World Trophy team for the first time.

Naturally, the United States can never be counted out. They won in 2019 when the 6DAYS last visited Portugal and will hope to rekindle those fond memories once again. Australia have a very strong World Trophy team entry and will look to impress, along with Spain, who are led by Josep Garcia (KTM) — the outright individual winner of the past five editions. Incredibly, Spain are yet to lift the World Trophy winners cup; will the centenary edition finally be their crowning moment?

Great Britain are gunning for success in 2026. Winners in 2022, they have assembled a line-up that will put them in the hunt for medals. Ten-time FIM Enduro World Champion Brad Freeman (Beta) will be joined by Nathan Watson (Beta) and Jed Etchells (Sherco). Both Watson and Etchells were members of that winning team in 2022 and know what it takes to succeed. A late withdrawal by Steve Holcombe (Sherco) due to injury has dampened spirits slightly, but with a worthy replacement imminent, they remain strong contenders.

But as always, the 6DAYS is a demanding beast. Success in Portugal will be built on riders uniting as a team, working as one, and keeping team morale high each day. It is this strength and resilience, combined with a little bit of luck, that will reward. Time will tell who can master it best in 2026.