During the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Xbox boss Phil Spencer confirmed that a brand-new Forza title is set to release in 2026. The announcement was made as part of a larger segment celebrating the upcoming 25th anniversary of Xbox, and it marks the next chapter in one of the platform’s most beloved racing franchises.

The Return of a Flagship Racer

“Forza” has long been one of Xbox’s crown jewels. Between the technically precise Motorsport series by Turn 10 Studios and the wildly open-world Horizon series by Playground Games, the brand has offered racing fans everything from ultra-sim realism to festival-fueled fun.

Spencer’s brief but exciting tease included the new Forza alongside major 2026 titles like Fable and Gears of War: E-Day, suggesting it will be a tentpole release for Xbox’s anniversary year. With Forza Motorsport rebooted in 2023 as a live-service platform, many believe this new game will be Forza Horizon 6—a natural follow-up to the critically acclaimed Horizon 5 from 2021.

Horizon 6 on the Horizon?

The timing certainly adds up. Forza Horizon 5 launched nearly five years ago, and Playground Games has since expanded its development capacity, likely juggling both the upcoming Fable reboot and the next Horizon installment. Previous rumors, developer job postings, and studio activity strongly hint at a return to Horizon’s adrenaline-fueled formula of exploration, stunt driving, and festival vibes.

Given that Horizon 5 was set in Mexico, speculation has already begun about where the sixth game could take players next. Fans are calling for locations like Japan, South Africa, or even a return to Europe—but as always, Playground is keeping things tightly under wraps for now.

Forza’s Legacy and What’s Next

Since its inception in 2005, Forza has become synonymous with high-quality racing games, pushing the boundaries of performance, visuals, and handling year after year. Whether you’re tuning lap times on real-world tracks or drifting through jungles at 200 mph, Forza continues to evolve with the racing genre.

With Xbox positioning 2026 as a celebration of its legacy, a new Forza will undoubtedly serve as a showcase for next-gen power and design.

No further details such as a location, name, or gameplay features—have been revealed yet. But if the last few entries are anything to go by, fans can expect another visually stunning, content-rich, and community-driven racing experience.

Until then, all eyes are on the next Xbox showcase, where a proper reveal may finally lift the curtain on the next great racing adventure.