Everything We Know So Far About The Commonwealth Games 2026
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4 weeks ago
Where, when and how to get tickets
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are all over the news, even though they’re two years away. Returning to Glasgow after the Scottish city just played host in 2014, it’s pegged to be the most inclusive, eco-friendly games to date. Here’s what you need to know.
Commonwealth Games 2026: What, Where & How To Get Tickets
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What Are The Commonwealth Games?
The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport competition which takes place every four years. The first Games took place in 1930, under the name ‘British Empire Games’. Today, competitors mostly hail from former colonies of the British Empire, including Australia, Jamaica and Canada. Meanwhile, the British nations compete separately.
Who Is The Host?
Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the Australian state of Victoria had to pull out due to rising costs earlier this year. Having hosted the Games recently in 2014, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will make use of existing venues and stadiums during its run; the 2014 Games wracked up a cost of over £540 million.
Four venues will be utilised: the Emirates Arena, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, the Scottish Events Campus and Scotstoun stadium.
Unlike previous years, a new athletes’ village will not be constructed. Instead, Glasgow will put competitors and officials up in existing accommodation across the city.
Who Participates?
Around 3,000 athletes from up to 74 Commonwealth countries will take part.
What Sports Are Included?
Just 10 sports make up the 2026 stripped-back programme, with fully integrated para-competitions across six of them. While sports like hockey, diving and badminton have missed out (in fact, all racket sports will miss out), the sports we can expect to see at the 2026 Commonwealth Games are:
- Athletics and para-athletics – track and field only
- Swimming and para-swimming
- Track cycling and para-track cycling
- Boxing
- Artistic gymnastics
- Netball
- Weightlifting and para-powerlifting
- Judo
- Bowls and para-bowls
- 3×3 basketball and 3×3 wheelchair basketball
At Glasgow 2014, 17 sports were contested. Interestingly, hockey has been dropped from the line-up, despite a new national hockey centre constructed for the 2014 Games costing £5 million. Likewise, street-based events like the triathlon and marathon have been removed from the programme; in 2014, these were free for spectators to attend.
When Are The Commonwealth Games 2026?
Glasgow’s 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held from 23 July until 2 August, an 11 day event beginning exactly 12 years after the city last played host.
How To Get Tickets
No news just yet on when tickets will go on sale, but you can stay up to date at glasgow2026.com
