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2026 Sporting Calendar: Key Indian & Global Events in 2026
Which are the key sporting events to watch out for in 2026?
Arif Khan (Source: Getty Images)
The year 2026 is shaping up to be a historic chapter for sports fans. From the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup to the sleek slopes of the Italian Alps, the calendar is packed with firsts and returns of some of the biggest sporting spectacles.
Whether you are a casual viewer or a die-hard fanatic, here are the major sports events you need to circle in your 2026 planner.
1. FIFA World Cup (USA, Canada, & Mexico)
Date: June 11 – July 19, 2026
This is the big one. For the first time in history, the World Cup will be hosted across three nations and feature an expanded field of 48 teams (up from 32). With 104 matches scheduled, the tournament will be a massive marathon of football.
The Opener: Will take place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The Final: Scheduled for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
2. Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina (Italy)
Date: February 6 – 22, 2026
Winter sports return to the heart of Europe. The Games will be spread across Milan and the Dolomites, offering a stunning backdrop for alpine skiing, figure skating, and ice hockey. Keep an eye on the debut of Ski Mountaineering, which officially joins the Olympic program this year.
To explore more opportunities across various sports, click here for more information.
3. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (India & Sri Lanka)
Date: February – March 2026
While the Winter Olympics are chilling the Northern Hemisphere, cricket fans will be heating up the subcontinent. India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the T20 World Cup, where the world’s most explosive batsmen will face off in the shortest format of the game. Expect packed stadiums and a festive atmosphere in cities like Colombo and Mumbai.
4. Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games (Scotland)
Date: July 23 – August 2, 2026
After some uncertainty regarding hosts, Glasgow has stepped in to deliver a streamlined, high-energy version of the Commonwealth Games. The 2026 edition will focus on 10 core sports (including Athletics, Swimming, and Track Cycling) across four main venues. It’s a "back-to-basics" approach that promises to be incredibly fan-friendly and accessible.
5. Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya, Japan)
Date: September 19 – October 4, 2026
The 20th Asian Games will see the continent's best athletes descend on Japan. This event is massive in scale, often rivaling the Summer Olympics in terms of participant numbers. In addition to traditional Olympic sports, look out for Cricket (confirmed for the program) and Esports, which continue to draw huge viewership in the region.
6. The Tennis Grand Slams
Dates: Throughout the year
The 2026 tennis season will be a battle between the established "Big Title" hunters and the rising stars.
Australian Open: Jan 12 – Feb 1
French Open: May 18 – June 7
Wimbledon: June 29 – July 12
US Open: Aug 31 – Sept 13
7. Golf: The 154th Open Championship (Royal Birkdale)
Date: July 16 – 19, 2026
For golf purists, the return to Royal Birkdale in England is a highlight of the year. Known for its punishing dunes and unpredictable seaside weather, Birkdale is one of the most respected courses on the Open rotation. It will provide a stern test for the world’s best as they vie for the Claret Jug.