Glasgow to Host 2026 Commonwealth Games with a Streamlined Sports Program
Glasgow will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, featuring a more compact selection of 10 sports. Events like track cycling, athletics, swimming, and boxing remain, while badminton and hockey are excluded. The Games will take place across four venues from July 23 to August 2, 2026, with the Scottish city stepping in after Australia’s Victoria withdrew due to costs. Approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations are expected to participate, with para-sports integrated across six disciplines.
The event will have a reduced budget of £114 million, with £100 million funded by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and contributions from the UK government. Half a million tickets are set to be available, and existing venues, including the Emirates Arena and Scotstoun Stadium, will host events, with no new facilities being built.
Katie Sadleir, CGF’s chief executive, expressed confidence in the Games as a cultural and athletic celebration. However, some sports communities, particularly badminton and hockey, have voiced disappointment. The streamlined model may serve as a template for the Commonwealth Games’ future as the city, renowned for hosting major sporting events, prepares for the challenge.