January 2026 kicks off a massive year in sports! As the holiday season winds down, the sporting world ramps up with major tournaments and iconic events across the globe. From the heat of the Australian summer to the frozen outdoor rinks of the NHL, this month offers incredible diversity for the traveling sports fan. Get ready to start your year with a bang and plan your first adventure of 2026!
1. Australian Open (Tennis)
The first Grand Slam of the year is a fan favorite, known as the “Happy Slam.” Melbourne Park comes alive with world-class tennis, vibrant entertainment, and a festive summer atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to escape the Northern Hemisphere winter and witness the world’s best players compete for the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
📅 When: January 12 – February 1, 2026
📍 Where: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets are available through Ticketmaster Australia, the official Australian Open ticketing platform.
2. College Football Playoff National Championship (American Football)
The culmination of the college football season, this game crowns the national champion in a spectacle of pageantry and passion. The atmosphere is electric, with thousands of students, alumni, and fans descending on the host city for a weekend of tailgating and high-stakes football.
📅 When: January 19, 2026
📍 Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, USA
🎟️ Tickets: The majority of game tickets are allocated to the two participating institutions and sold directly through them. Fans can also buy or sell tickets via Ticketmaster, which serves as the only resale marketplace offering Ticketmaster Verified Tickets.
3. PDC World Darts Championship Final (Darts)
The crescendo of the holiday season’s biggest party. The World Darts Championship final at Alexandra Palace is a unique sporting experience, combining elite precision sport with a raucous, costume-filled crowd. Witnessing the crowning of the world champion is a bucket-list item for any sports fan who loves a great atmosphere.
📅 When: January 3, 2026 (Tournament begins in December 2025)
📍 Where: Alexandra Palace, London, England
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets for the 2025/26 Championship sold out in record time. Fans are warned to avoid third-party websites like Viagogo and StubHub, as tickets identified on these platforms will be cancelled. Official re-releases are handled exclusively via the official box office, SeeTickets.
4. NHL Winter Classic (Ice Hockey)
The NHL’s premier outdoor event returns to a unique setting. This annual tradition takes hockey back to its roots, played outdoors in a major stadium. The 2026 edition features a tropical twist, taking place in Miami, offering a truly unique “sun and ice” experience for hockey fans.
📅 When: January 2, 2026
📍 Where: LoanDepot Park, Miami, Florida, USA
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner of the NHL.
5. Africa Cup of Nations (Football)
The continent’s premier football tournament continues its group and knockout stages in January. Hosted by Morocco, AFCON offers a vibrant explosion of color, passion, and top-tier football. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see world-class players like Mo Salah and Sadio Mané representing their nations in a culturally rich setting.
📅 When: Ongoing through January (Final on January 18, 2026)
📍 Where: Various cities across Morocco
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets are available through the Confederation of African Football (CAF) official website.
6. Dakar Rally (Motorsport)
The world’s toughest endurance race takes competitors across the challenging terrain of Saudi Arabia. It’s an ultimate test of man and machine, covering thousands of kilometers over two weeks. For adventurous travelers, following the rally offers a chance to explore stunning desert landscapes and witness incredible feats of engineering and resilience.
📅 When: January 3 – 17, 2026
📍 Where: Saudi Arabia (Various locations)
🎟️ Tickets: Spectating is generally free in designated zones, but hospitality packages and bivouac access can be purchased through official tour operators.
7. Men’s EHF EURO 2026 (Handball)
The European Men’s Handball Championship brings together the continent’s best teams for a high-intensity tournament. Hosted across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, this event guarantees packed arenas and a fantastic atmosphere, especially in the handball-crazy Scandinavian nations.
📅 When: January 15 – February 1, 2026
📍 Where: Denmark, Sweden, and Norway (Various cities including Herning, Malmö, and Oslo)
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets are available through the official EHF EURO website and local ticketing partners.
8. Winter X Games (Action Sports)
The world’s premier winter action sports event returns to Aspen. Watch the best skiers and snowboarders in the world compete in SuperPipe and Slopestyle events under the lights. It’s a festival of youth culture, music, and incredible athletic progression set in a beautiful ski resort town.
📅 When: January 23 – 25, 2026
📍 Where: Buttermilk Mountain, Aspen, Colorado, USA
🎟️ Tickets: General admission to the competition venue is often free, with ticketed options for premium viewing, music concerts, and hospitality available through the official website.
9. Dubai World Cup Carnival (Horse Racing)
While the main World Cup race is in March, the Carnival reaches its peak during January, offering weeks of top-class racing at the spectacular Meydan Racecourse. Following its kick-off on November 7, 2025, the January schedule features major prep races that attract top international horses and trainers.
📅 When: Ongoing through January 2026 (Season began November 7, 2025)
📍 Where: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, UAE
🎟️ Tickets: General admission and hospitality packages are available through the Dubai Racing Club website.
10. The Ashes Test Series (Cricket)
The historic rivalry continues into the New Year with the final Test of the series. The New Year’s Test in Sydney (January 4 – 8, 2026) is a marquee event, often turning “Pink” for the McGrath Foundation. It’s a perfect way to experience the Australian summer of cricket at one of the world’s most iconic grounds.
📅 When: January 4 – 8, 2026
📍 Where: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney, Australia
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets are available through the SCG’s ticketing partner, Ticketek.
Planning Your Trip: Essential Tips for Sports Tourists
✈️ Book Early: January is a peak travel time for many destinations (especially in the Southern Hemisphere summer). Secure flights and hotels well in advance.
☀️ Weather Watch: Pack for the heat if you’re heading to the Australian Open or Dakar Rally, but bundle up for the Winter Classic or X Games!
🛂 Visa Requirements: Check entry requirements for countries like Australia, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia well before you travel.
Which January 2026 event are you adding to your ultimate sports travel bucket list? Share your plans in the comments below!
Last Updated on December 29, 2025 by Sports Tourist
