“Race Across the World” 2026 is the sixth season of the popular show that follows five teams of two people, already connected to each other in some way, in a no-frills race to a predetermined destination – in this case, Mongolia – with a £20,000 prize for the winners. But there’s a catch…
Here’s how to watch “Race Across the World” 2026 online from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for FREE
“Race Across the World” 2026 – Dates, time, channel
“Race Across the World” 2026 is on BBC One every Thursday at 8 p.m. BST until May 29. It is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
• WATCH FREE — BBC One/ BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
• U.S./Canada/ Australia — Britbox (date TBC)
• Watch anywhere — try Surfshark
Actually, there are several – no smartphones, bank cards or internet access – and only initiative and the equivalent of £26 a day to help them negotiate Italy, Greece, Türkiye, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on the way to the finish line in Mongolia.
The cast will have to deal with conditions ranging from 30-degree heat to –20°C. For the viewers, we get to choose a team and cheer them on from the sofa as the pressure begins to bite and relationships are tested to the max (see below for the cast). What’s not to like.
Read on to find out how to watch “Race Across the World” 2026 online, on TV and from anywhere and potentially for free.
How to watch “Race Across the World” 2026 for FREE in the U.K.
How to watch ‘Race Across the World’ 2026 abroad
Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), “Race Across the World” 2026 should be available to Brits no matter where they are. The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you find yourself. Our favorite streaming VPN is Surfshark.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we’ve said, Surfshark is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you’re away from the U.K. and want to view a U.K. service, you’d select U.K. from the list.
3. Sit back and watch the show. Head to BBC iPlayer to watch “Race Across the World” 2026 online and on-demand.
How to watch ‘Race Across the World’ 2026 around the world
Can I watch ‘Race Across the World’ 2026 in the United States?
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
“Race Across the World” 2026 is not available to stream in the U.S. as yet. It will almost certainly land on Britbox later in the year. When we find out the date, you’ll get that here first.
However, if you are a Brit in the States for work or on vacation you can catch the show for FREE now by using a VPN such as Surfshark, choosing U.K. from the list and selecting BBC iPlayer.
Watch ‘Race Across the World’ 2026 online and on-demand in the U.K.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
“Race Across the World” 2026 is on BBC One every Thursday at 8 p.m. BST. It is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
And, you don’t have to miss it if you a Brit exiled abroad because you can unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN. We recommend Surfshark.
Can I watch ‘Race Across the World’ 2026 online or on TV in Canada?
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
As with the U.S., “Race Across the World” 2026 is not available to stream in Canada as yet. However, it will almost certainly land on Britbox later in the year. When we find out the date, you’ll get that here first.
However, if you are a Brit in the Great White North for work or on vacation you can catch the show on your own domestic streaming platform by using a VPN such as Surfshark.
Can I watch ‘Race Across the World’ 2026 online in Australia?
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
At the time of writing there has been no announcement about when or where “Race Across the World” 2026 will be broadcast in Australia but Britbox would seem likely towards the end of the year. When we know for sure you’ll read about it here first.
However, if you are a Brit working or on vacation Down Under and you want to catch the show on the BBC you can do so by using a VPN such as Surfshark.
Can I watch ‘Race Across the World’ 2026 online in New Zealand?
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
There are currently no plans to air “Race Across the World” 2026 in New Zealand but if that changes you’ll read about when and where here first, so check back.
Remember, if you are a Brit currently in the land of the kiwi for work or vacation you can catch the show on BBC iPlayer by using a VPN such as Surfshark.
‘Race Across the World’ 2026 – Cast
- Jo (19, college student) & Kush (19, gap-year student) – best friends
- Katie (21, Account Manager) & Harrison (23, Finance Assistant) – siblings
- Molly (Junior Doctor, 23) & Andrew (54, Geography teacher) – father/daughter
- Puja (31, doctor) & Roshni (32, software engineer) – cousins
- Mark (66, retired architect) & Margo (59, hypnotherapist) – in-laws
‘Race Across the World’ 2026 – Episode Guide
Season 06 Episode 01: Five adventurous teams are pushed to the limit, battling extreme climates and harsh terrain in a 12,000km race across Europe and Asia to reach Hatgal in northern Mongolia.
S06 E02: Leaving the tranquillity of Kefalonia behind, the teams race through Greece to reach one of Europe’s biggest and most vibrant cities, Istanbul, where Europe and Asia collide.
S06 E03: The five teams bid farewell to Europe and head into Asia, racing toward the remote riverside town of Halfeti, where the last to arrive will be eliminated from the competition.
S06 E04: With over 4,500km behind them, the race steps up a gear as the remaining teams learn the fourth checkpoint lies in Georgia’s futuristic capital, Tbilisi.
S06 E05 to S06 E09: TBC
‘Race Across the World’ 2026 – FAQ
What are the programme-makers looking for in cast members?
ZYREETA ABADJI IS THE CASTING AND WELFARE EXECUTIVE ON THE SHOW
Describe the casting process
Race across the World lives and dies by its cast. We’re looking for authentic personalities, people who wouldn’t normally apply to be on TV shows. So, the process is quite extensive — in the interviews we learn about their stories and motivation, and make sure they’re robust enough, physically and mentally, to do the show.
How do you assess a duo’s relationship when they apply?
They submit a video. We look at their rapport and if we like what we see, we’ll invite them in and interview them together. We also speak to them separately to see if they’re on the same page — do they complement each other? Do they have humorous anecdotes?
Do you also set them a practical challenge?
We want to see how people react under pressure without their phone or money. So, when they come to the audition (in London), we set a task. “You’ve got an hour to get from point A to point B without the use of your phone or money. Go!” We film that and see how they get on.
How many applications do you receive?
When I joined, on the back of Covid (in 2021), everyone was at home, watching TV. We had more than 100,000 applications that year. We’ve never seen those numbers since. It’s roughly around 40,000 or 50,000. It’s steadily climbing.
What dream contestant has proved elusive?
A grandfather/grandchild duo. There’s something about that relationship that’s unique and wonderful. Help us out, if you can! We’re casting for the next series!
More from Tom’s Guide
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
