Australia and the USA without the best, the Netherlands with Herlings, Slovenia has a chance!

The 2026 Motocross Nations Cup (MXON) has officially unveiled its team rosters, with several top nations confirming their entries ahead of the October 30–November 1 event in France. Among the standout teams, the Netherlands has confirmed a formidable lineup featuring three-time MXGP world champion Jeffrey Herlings, alongside MXGP rider Kay de Wolf and MX2 prospect Roan van de Moosdijk. The Dutch squad is widely regarded as one of the strongest contenders for victory, bolstered by Herlings' recent dominance and his potential to secure another title at the event. Meanwhile, Australia and the United States have opted for different lineups, both missing key members from last year’s championship-winning teams. Australia will field Tim Gajser, Jaka Peklaj, and Jan Pancar, all of whom have shown strong performances in recent races. Gajser, who previously claimed podium finishes at the 2025 MXON, continues to be a key figure for the nation. Slovenia, meanwhile, looks to build upon its historic fifth-place finish in 2025, with Gajser and Pancar leading the charge. The country's hopes rest heavily on these two riders, though Peklaj’s role in the team remains crucial. Slovenia’s performance could once again place them among the top five, according to Pancar, who expressed satisfaction even with a mid-table finish. The United States, despite having some of the sport’s most decorated riders, has chosen a slightly different approach. Their entry includes Chance Hymas, Levi Kitchen, and Cooper Webb, three riders who have consistently performed well in international competitions. However, the U.S. team lacks the depth of previous years, particularly in terms of experience and consistency. In contrast, Spain has assembled a powerful squad with double MXGP world champion Jorge Prado, along with Guillen Farres and Ruben Fernandez. This combination presents a serious challenge to Slovenia, especially given Prado’s track record in high-stakes races. France, which hosts the 2026 MXON, has yet to formally announce its roster, although expectations are high. The French team is likely to include Romain Febvre, the reigning world champion, as well as Tom Vialle and Mathis Valin. Febvre’s recent form in MXGP suggests he could play a pivotal role in securing a top position for France. Belgium, however, faces uncertainty due to the injury status of Lucas Coenen, a key member of the national team. If Coenen returns to full fitness, Belgium could pose a threat to the top positions, but his recovery remains uncertain. The Netherlands’ decision to include Herlings was a strategic move, as he has been nearly unbeatable in recent races. His presence alone makes the Dutch team a major favorite, especially considering his ability to win multiple times at the MXON. De Wolf, who recently recovered from injury, brings valuable experience, while van de Moosdijk adds youthful energy to the squad. The Dutch team’s strength lies in its balance of veteran expertise and emerging talent, making them a formidable force in the competition. Other notable entries include Italy, Latvia, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Great Britain, and Norway, each bringing their own strengths to the table. While none of these teams are considered favorites to win outright, they represent a diverse range of competitive forces. The race for the top spots will be intense, with several nations vying for positions in the upper echelon of the standings. As the event approaches, fans can expect thrilling battles and dramatic moments, with the final results set to determine the ultimate champion.