The ultimate 2026 sports calendar: the world’s biggest events you can’t miss

Whether you’re an avid NBA fan or someone who loves cheering on your country at the Winter Olympics every four years, 2026 is set to be a memorable year for sports – especially with the FIFA World Cup heading to Canada and the United States. We’ve compiled a calendar of the major sporting events, so you don’t miss out on any of the action. And if you’re keen to watch in person, there’s still plenty of time to map out your travel plans. 

Key sports events and competitions held in 2026 

2026 Winter Olympics, Milano Cortina

6-22 February

At the winter edition of the Olympic Games , athletes compete across 16 different disciplines – from the quick pace of alpine skiing and the quiet strategising of curling to the nail-biting awe of ski jumping. Figure skating and ice hockey rarely disappoint, and are sure to keep you hooked for every match.

Super Bowl LX, San Francisco Bay Area

8 February

The Super Bowl  transcends sports. Two NFL teams may be vying for the coveted Lombardi Trophy, but for many the real appeal is the spectacle of it all, epitomised by the career-defining half-time musical performance that often overshadows the American football itself. And don’t forget the iconic television commercials that will soon cement themselves in American folklore.

LIV Golf Adelaide

12-15 February 

The Grange Golf Club will celebrate its centenary in 2026, and this edition promises live music, high-energy crowds and the kind of exceptional play that earned it the title of World’s Best Golf Event . A highlight is The Watering Hole at the 12th, famed for its proximity to the players and raucous crowds.

NBA All-Star 2026, Los Angeles 

15 February 

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game  debuts a thrilling new format, with two American teams and one international side competing in a round-robin of four 12-minute games. Beyond the main event, fans can enjoy the high-flying dunk contest, the three-point shootout and the skills challenge. 

World Baseball Classic, various host cities 

5-17 March

In the World Baseball Classic, pool play involves four teams in each group across four cities . The top two teams from each pool advance to the quarterfinals, with the finals in Miami determining who will ultimately lift the trophy.

2026 Winter Paralympics, Milano Cortina 

6-15 March

Six hundred athletes will compete  in 79 medal events across six disciplines, including para alpine skiing, para biathlon (a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting), para cross-country skiing, para ice hockey, para snowboard and wheelchair curling.

Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2026, Hong Kong  

17-19 April 

Kai Tak Stadium will be hosting the 50th edition  of the Hong Kong Sevens, which is sure to bring extra pizzazz to the annual championship, often celebrated for its party-like atmosphere. Games will showcase incredible athleticism from the 12 best men’s and women’s teams around the world, competing in a brand-new format comprising of six regular-season rounds and three championship events. 

2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, Zurich-Fribourg

15-31 May 

The event  kicks off with the preliminary round, featuring two groups of eight teams playing round-robin games at the Swiss Life Arena in Zurich and the BCF Arena in Fribourg. The top four teams from each group advance to the playoffs. Your ticket also doubles as a public transport pass, covering travel to and from the games.

FIFA World Cup 2026, several cities in North America

11 June – 19 July

Sixteen cities across North America will host this history-making event,  which sees an expanded 48 teams compete for the world’s most iconic trophy. Hopefuls for the final in New York include defending champions Argentina, alongside England, Spain, as well as newcomers Curaçao, Cape Verde and Uzbekistan. 

Tour de France 2026 

4-26 July 

The 21 stages of this massive cycling race  kick off in Barcelona with a team time trial for the first time in 55 years, giving the competition an electrifying start. This year, 10 towns across Spain and France will make their first-ever appearance in the Tour, meaning racers will face new challenges in unfamiliar terrain. 

2026 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland

23 July – 2 August

Ten sports, including six para sports, will be featured, with up to 3,000 athletes across 74 territories in the Commonwealth expected to participate. Individual sports include athletics and swimming, while team sports events encompass three-on-three basketball and netball. Combat sports cover judo and boxing. 

FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, Berlin 

l4-13 September 

The US will be hoping to defend their title  for the fifth consecutive year. Experience on the international stage helps – that comes in the form of six players who were part of the 2024 Paris Olympics gold-winning roster. Other teams to watch include last edition’s runners-up, China and Australia.  

Sports series happening throughout the year 

Formula 1 

The Grand Prix's  24-round season takes drivers around multiple continents, starting in Australia in March.

Abbott World Marathon Majors  

There are World Marathon Major events around the world including Boston (20 April), London (26 April), Sydney (30 August), Berlin (27 September), Chicago (11 October) and New York (1 November). 

ATP Tour and WTA

The 2026 ATP Tour calendar  includes 59 tournaments while the WTA  features 50. In addition, both offer four Grand Slams held in major cities.