Major Sports Events Happening in 2026
You’re probably thinking - ‘have I read this right, 2026?!’. Yes, you’re absolutely right!
We know how time flies when you’re having fun (reading our blogs!) and since we’ve just stepped into 2025, we might as well start talking about what’s happening in 2026, especially with the heavy hit line up the sports industry has in store for us.
We have done all the hard work for you and found something for everyone, so that the only thing that you need to worry about is convincing your friends and family to take the leap and join you for at least one of these unmissable sporting events in 2026!
Olympic Winter Games – Milano Cortina
February 6th – 22nd
Kicking off the busy agenda is but of course, the one and only – Olympic Winter Games! Whilst we’re tucked up, nice and cosy with our fluffy socks on and cups of hot chocolate we will be tuning in to watch some hardcore athletes compete in the extreme Winter sports.
Italy have taken the reigns this year, co-hosting in the iconic city of Milan, predominantly having the Olympians compete in the breathtaking and scenic alpine town Cortina d'Ampezzo, nestled in the Dolomites Mountain range in the North. Since the games are being split between two regions, Italy have highlighted their intentional dual blend of tradition and modernity through their Olympic game's motto - ‘Duality, Together’.
Aiming to shine a light on sustainability, Italy will be utilising the same venues and facilities from the previous time they hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 - although incorporating a couple of updates for a fresh new look. After all, we can’t have the Olympics without an OTT ceremony!
With over 116 events in 16 Winter sports, featuring the world’s top athletes competing for the three top spots on the Olympic podium, this is one of many major sporting events in 2026 that cannot be missed. So, if we were you...get ready, get steady...and go get your tickets!
The Paralympic Winter Games – Milano Cortina
March 6th – 15th
Bobsleighing on from the Olympic Winter Games, we have the Paralympic Winter Games, which some may argue is even more exhilarating to watch, by showcasing around 600 superb athletes ruthlessly competing in 79 medal events across 6 Winter sports.
Furthermore, these Games will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first ever Paralympic Games, returning to Italy for the second time in history, since Torino in 2006. Fuelling further excitement, a new medal event has been introduced to the itinerary - drum roll please, as we welcome the...wheelchair curling mixed doubles!
Exciting times ahead for next year's 2026 sporting events, and we haven’t even got to what Summer sports have to offer yet!
The FIFA World Cup
June 11th – July 19th
For all you football fans out there, this one’s for you.
The FIFA World Cup will be upon us before we know it, however history is about to be made as we welcome an additional 16 teams to compete, expanding from the previous 32 team format into 48. So, you know what that means – more games and even more goals!
Not only will this be one of the major sporting events in 2026, but it is set to be the largest World Cup in history as the tournament's 23rd edition will be co-hosted by three powerhouse nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. Matches are to be played predominantly in the United States; however, this refreshed outlook on co-hosting will promote a unified approach to football, symbolising more than a sport but also an initiative to bring together nations on a global scale.
Known as the most prestigious football tournament on the planet we are absolutely buzzing to watch some pitch-perfect performances with our England shirts on, repping our great nations three fierce lions as the FIFA World Cup returns to television screens and stadiums across the globe for sporting events in 2026.
The Commonwealth Games
July 23rd – August 2nd
Who’s ready for a quick history lesson?!
Originating in 1930 and formerly referred to as the British Empire Games, this multi-sport event united all the countries ruled by the British Empire at that time, whereas since the gradual decolonisation of the British Empire, the Games have evolved to represent these historical ties, promoting a better understanding amongst nations. Shortly after the Second World War, on reflection of this changing world, it was decided that ‘British’ was dropped from the title and replaced with what we now call the Commonwealth Games to represent the international association of the 56 Commonwealth states.
Who's feeling like a fountain of knowledge now? Sign us up for the next pub quiz!
Nearly a century later the games have evolved to feature a 10-sport programme including 6 fully integrated Para sports and are regarded as the industry leaders of sportsmanship, leading the way for influential evolutions of reforming sports events infrastructure. Known as the first international multi-sport event to include athletes with disabilities as full members of their national teams (started in 2002), whilst also becoming the first global multi-sport event to feature an equal number of men's and women's medal events in 2018 – this sets it apart from other sporting events and makes it a great watch.
The Commonwealth Games hold a legacy and underlying premise to improve the development and collaboration of nations, so let’s do our bit and get excited for it! Considering the Commonwealth is one of the major sporting events in 2026, we’re absolutely buzzing to know it’s being held in Glasgow so in the grand and global scheme of things, it’s on our doorstep!
The Ryder Cup
September (TBC)
Shaping up to be a spectacular showcase of golf, the Ryder Cup is back and better than ever! Team Europe and Team USA will be returning to Ireland, ready to battle it out for one of the most prestigious titles within the golfing community.
Unlike traditional tournaments the Ryder Cup is a team event, pitting the most elite golfers in Europe against those in the United States. And for what prize you ask? Simply the continental glory, oh and of course the one-of-a-kind Ryder Cup trophy. What makes this event so exhilarating to watch is the unity of each continent's team to work together for the ultimate win – national pride.
Alternating between the two continents, this years’ cup is being held in County Limerick where the venue has undergone a multi-million-euro re-vamp ensuring it’s prepared to handle the extreme swings and challenges this competition has to offer. This course oozes luxury and has been meticulously designed by renowned golf architect, Tom Fazio, along the breath-taking River Maigue and its immaculate parkland layout.
Promising to be a tee-riffic venue for players and fans alike, we’ll take two tickets please to this major sporting event in 2026 that you won't fore-get about!
The Asian Games
September 19th – 4th October
Last but not least on our list of major sporting events in 2026 is the Asian Games! Set to light up Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya in Japan, this event promises to set the stage for an unforgettable mix of athletic brilliance and cultural celebration.
With the inspiring motto "Imagine One Asia", the Games will bring together champions from across the continent to compete in an incredible variety of sports. Expect everything ranging from the classics such as athletics, to exciting newcomers like 3x3 basketball and BMX racing.
With 55 venues (including some iconic spots from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics), the 2026 Asian Games will bring together athletes from 48 nations for an epic celebration of sport, teamwork, and friendship.
This is Japan's third time hosting the Games, and they're pulling out all the stops to build on the legacy of past events. It’s all about promoting international exchange and celebrating the unity that makes the Asian Games so special.
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Now this is where we come in, your trusted travel partner. You’ve done the leg work; persuading friends and family to come along, deciding where to go, where to stay, who to fly with, so hand over the reins to us from here.
Let’s crunch some numbers and have your leisurely trip to and from the airport boxed off so all you have to do is practice your face painting in preparation for your sporting trip of a lifetime. Similarly to our Olympic athletes, we are the best at what we do, aiming to champion a chariot that is tailored to you.
We have your minibus and coach hire transfers covered to all of the main airports in the UK for your convenience:
So, what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present to get your tickets to a Winter and Summer of sports in 2026, and since you’ve spent this much time reading about these major sporting events, you might as well get a front row seat to watch one of them!