The World Cup 2021 is back to its expected format; three events with a total of nine races. Six of the nine events are individual races while each of the three events also offers one relay each.
The program:
| Event | Location | Date | Format |
| World Cup round 1 with European Championships |
Neuchâtel, Switzerland |
13 May | Sprint Relay |
| 14-15 May | Knock-Out Sprint | ||
| 16 May | Sprint | ||
| World Cup round 2 | Idre Fjäll, Sweden |
12 August | Long Distance |
| 14 August | Middle Distance | ||
| 15 August | Relay | ||
| World Cup round 3 | Cansiglio, Italy |
30 September | Long Distance |
| 2 October | Middle Distance | ||
| 3 October | Sprint Relay |
World Cup 2020 was planned to be the first year under the management of the World Cup consortium, consisting of IOF and Verein Swiss Cup. The full cup had to be cancelled as result of the corona situation which of course was a major disappointment for athletes, teams, fans and organizers. After this unexpected and disappointing pause, the new World Cup is now to take back the initiative to upgrade the World Cup status.
The first round, in Switzerland, was originally planned for 2020. It also has status of European Championships and is fully sprint focused. The event follows the championship formula with Sprint, Knock-Out Sprint and Sprint Relay.
The second round, in Sweden in August, was originally scheduled for June 2021 and as the first round of the year. With the changes of other events, the new date will allow teams to fully focus on the Nokian Tyres World Championships in July. The program in Sweden is fully forest focused.
The decisive round, in Italy, is moved from 2020. The program still includes the planned Long Distance and Middle Distance. New is that the very final race will be a Sprint Relay.
Most of the races, if not all, will be broadcasted live on orienteering.sport and on national TV in several countries.
The three venues are competing about having the largest wow factor; the picturesque and charming Swiss town Nuechâtel, the wilderness of the Swedish Idre Fjäll or the stunning beauty of Italian Cansiglio dressed in autumn colours.
More can be read in the Pre-Bulletin