The year 2026 promises to be a blockbuster for sports fans, packed with major tournaments, historic firsts, and compelling narratives across the globe. From the hard courts of Melbourne to the football pitches of North America, and from the hallowed turf of Lord's to the mountains of the Tour de France, it's a calendar brimming with unmissable action.
A Winter and Spring of Global Spectacles
The sporting year kicks off in earnest with the Australian Open in Melbourne from 12 January to 1 February. All eyes will be on Jannik Sinner as he aims to match Novak Djokovic's feat of winning three consecutive men's singles titles. In the women's draw, Madison Keys defends her crown, while Roger Federer makes an emotional return for a special exhibition.
February is particularly hectic. The Men's and Women's Six Nations rugby begins on 5 February, with France opening their title defence against Ireland in Paris. The Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina run from 6-22 February, where Team GB will hope to improve on their two-medal haul from Beijing. Concurrently, the Men's T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, starts on 7 February, with England hoping for a strong showing under Harry Brook.
Stateside, Super Bowl LX takes place on 8 February at Levi's Stadium, where the Philadelphia Eagles will defend their title against a field missing the recently dethroned Kansas City Chiefs. Bad Bunny is set to make history as the first Latin male artist to headline the half-time show.
Summer of Tradition and Global Showpieces
As spring turns to summer, the focus shifts to iconic British events. The London Marathon on 26 April will see around 40,000 participants take to the streets, while Wimbledon (29 June - 12 July) returns with British hopes resting on the likes of Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu.
Football dominates the global conversation with the expanded Men's FIFA World Cup, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. Scotland's return after 28 years and England's quest for a first overseas win will capture home nations' interest. The Women's T20 World Cup in England and Wales follows closely from 12 June to 5 July.
Cricket also makes history at Lord's, which will host its first-ever Women's Test match from 10-13 July as England take on India. This landmark event coincides with the 50th anniversary of Rachael Heyhoe Flint first leading an England women's team at the ground.
Autumn Finals and Looking Ahead
The latter part of the year features its own share of drama. Glasgow welcomes back the Commonwealth Games from 23 July to 2 August, albeit with a streamlined roster of 10 sports. In rugby league, the Rugby League World Cup kicks off in Australia and Papua New Guinea on 15 October, where England will aim to challenge the dominant Kangaroos.
From the fairways of Royal Birkdale for The Open to the cycling roads of the Tour de France, and from the Crucible Theatre for the World Snooker Championship to the Solheim Cup in the Netherlands, 2026 offers a relentless schedule of elite competition. It is a year that blends cherished tradition with groundbreaking new chapters, ensuring every sports fan will have something to anticipate.
