Cover Argentina are the reigning champions of the FIFA World Cup (Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Argentina are the reigning champions of the FIFA World Cup (Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
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From the FIFA World Cup and Winter Olympics to the Asian and Commonwealth Games, these major sports events are shaping the year ahead
The year 2026 is gearing up to be an exciting year for sports with an array of multi-sport events and global competitions that will capture the world’s attention. After the relative quiet following the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, 2026 offers a year-round tapestry of international athletic achievement, bringing together thousands of athletes from every corner of the globe.
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From ski slopes in the Italian Alps to football pitches across North America, and sprawling games in Japan and Scotland, the year promises a non-stop journey through the world’s most compelling multi-sport events. Whether you’re a devoted fan or a casual observer, it'll be a year to remember in the world of sport.
FIFA World Cup 2026
At the heart of 2026’s sporting calendar is the FIFA World Cup, arguably the most watched sporting event on the planet. Scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, this edition is historic on multiple fronts. For the first time ever, the tournament will be co-hosted by three countries—the United States, Canada and Mexico—spanning dozens of cities and showcasing the diversity of North American cultures.
Football fans can expect an expanded format, with 48 teams competing in 104 matches, an increase from the traditional 32-team setup, ensuring more games and more opportunities for underdog stories. The World Cup final is set for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, capping a month of unforgettable football.
The immense global excitement is evident in the demand for tickets: over 150 million requests have been logged, dwarfing available seats and underlining the event’s massive global appeal. Beyond the pitch, the World Cup continues to influence political and social discourse—with fixtures like the match between Egypt and Iran gaining attention for their timing and broader cultural implications.
Winter Olympics 2026
Long before summer’s football fever takes over, the world’s winter sports community will be in Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026. Happening from February 6 to 22, the Games will unfold across northern Italy, with Milan hosting most indoor ice sports and Cortina d’Ampezzo and nearby alpine areas staging skiing and snow competitions.
The 25th edition of the Winter Olympics will feature 16 sports disciplines, including traditional favourites like figure skating, curling, and ice hockey, as well as exciting newcomers such as ski mountaineering and expanded cross-country programs promoting gender equality. With nearly 3,000 athletes from over 90 countries, it embodies the Olympic ideal of global competition in a breathtaking natural and urban setting.
Cultural pageantry also plays a role: Italian song icon Laura Pausini and pop superstar Mariah Carey have been announced for the opening ceremony, blending sport with global entertainment. The closing festivities will take place in the historic arena of Verona, symbolically uniting heritage and athletic spectacle.
Commonwealth Games 2026
The 2026 Commonwealth Games is another major multi-sport gathering and will be held in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 2. The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories, competing across 10 sports—including athletics, swimming, netball, and 3×3 basketball—many of which have integrated Para-sport events to enhance inclusivity. Set within a compact eight-mile corridor of four venues, the event aims to deliver accessibility and sustainability, making it easier for fans to experience more of the action.
Asian Games 2026
Closing out the year’s major multi-sport calendar are the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled for 19 September to 4 October 2026 in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan. This quadrennial event will bring together 46 nations and thousands of athletes across 460 events in 42 sports, showcasing Asia’s rich competitive spirit and cultural diversity.
Japan, hosting its third Asian Games, intends to blend tradition with innovation, offering a wide array of Olympic and regional sports and returning the Games to their full four-year cycle after pandemic-related rescheduling. As one of the largest multi-sport events globally, the Asian Games not only highlight elite athleticism but also foster regional cooperation and cultural exchange.
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As Senior Lifestyle Writer, Aina writes across the lifestyle vertical, covering wellness, travel, arts and entertainment. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she previously worked at CLEO Malaysia, where she headed the lifestyle, culture and entertainment sections.
