2026 is shaping up to be one of the most extraordinary years in sporting history, featuring many of the biggest sports events of 2026 taking place across the globe. From a record-breaking FIFA World Cup spread across three countries to the Winter Olympics in Italy, this is a year defined by major international sporting events, global travel, and once-every-few-years tournaments that attract millions of fans.
Unlike a typical sports calendar, 2026 brings together football, cricket, the Olympics, and world championships on an unprecedented scale, making it a true bucket-list year for sports fans and travellers alike. Whether you’re planning to follow your team abroad or simply want to track the major sporting events in 2026, this guide highlights the must-see tournaments you won’t want to miss. Each event links to detailed guides covering tickets, travel, where to stay, and things to do, making it easy to plan your next sports trip.
1. FIFA World Cup 2026 (Football)
The biggest sporting event on the planet reaches a new scale. For the first time, 48 nations will compete across three host countries—Canada, Mexico, and the USA. From the thin air of Mexico City to the bright lights of New York/New Jersey, this is a continent-wide festival of football that only happens once every four years.
📅 When: June 11 – July 19, 2026
📍 Where: 16 Host Cities across Canada, Mexico, and the USA
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets are sold exclusively through the official FIFA website via a phased application process. Sign up for the FIFA ticketing portal early to receive alerts.
👉 View FIFA World Cup 2026 Event Guide
2. Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (Multi-Sport)
The Winter Games return to the heart of the Italian Alps for the first time in 20 years. Spanning Milan and the stunning Dolomites of Cortina d’Ampezzo, these games will blend world-class athleticism with iconic Italian hospitality. It’s the ultimate combination of elite sport and a luxury winter getaway.
📅 When: February 6 – 22, 2026
📍 Where: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
🎟️ Tickets: Official tickets are available through the Milano Cortina 2026 digital ticketing platform.
👉 View Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics Guide
3. World Baseball Classic (Baseball)
The premier international baseball tournament returns! Featuring the best professional players representing their home nations, the WBC offers an atmosphere of national pride that rivals the World Cup. After Japan’s thrilling victory in 2023, the 2026 edition is the most anticipated in the tournament’s history.
📅 When: March 5 – 17, 2026
📍 Where: Tokyo (Japan), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Houston and Miami (USA)
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets for matches in Puerto Rico are currently on general sale. Tickets for other venues will be available on general sale starting January 15, 2026, via the official WBC and host stadium websites.
👉 View World Baseball Classic 2026 Guide
4. 2026 Commonwealth Games (Multi-Sport)
Often called the “Friendly Games,” this multi-sport event brings together athletes from 74 nations and territories. In 2026, the games return to a fan-favorite host city, promising a high-energy atmosphere and top-tier competition across a variety of disciplines in the heart of Scotland.
📅 When: July 23 – August 2, 2026
📍 Where: Glasgow, Scotland
🎟️ Tickets: General sale for tickets is now open! Secure yours through the official Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games ticketing portal.
👉 View Commonwealth Games 2026 Guide
5. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (Cricket)
The world’s best T20 cricketers head to the subcontinent for a high-octane tournament. Hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka, you can expect packed stadiums and an incredible level of noise and passion. In these conditions, every match is a spectacle.
📅 When: February 7 – March 8, 2026
📍 Where: India and Sri Lanka
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets are officially on sale now! They were released on December 11th—visit the official ICC ticketing website to secure your seats.
👉 View ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Guide
6. Rugby League World Cup (Rugby League)
The pinnacle of international Rugby League returns to the Southern Hemisphere. This tournament features the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair competitions running concurrently, making it a massive celebration of the sport across Australia and neighboring Pacific nations.
📅 When: October 15 – November 15, 2026
📍 Where: Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets are officially on sale! Visit the official RLWC2026 website to book your seats.
👉 View Rugby League World Cup 2026 Guide
7. 2026 Solheim Cup (Golf)
While the Ryder Cup gets much of the fame, the Solheim Cup has arguably become the most exciting team event in golf. This biennial battle between Team USA and Team Europe heads to the Netherlands for the first time in history.
📅 When: September 11 – 13, 2026
📍 Where: Bernardus Golf, Cromvoirt, Netherlands
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets are on sale now! Visit the official Solheim Cup website to secure your gallery or hospitality passes.
8. ICC Women’s T20 World Cup (Cricket)
Women’s cricket is reaching new heights of popularity, and the 2026 T20 World Cup in England will be a massive milestone. The tournament culminates in a historic final at “The Home of Cricket,” Lord’s. This is your chance to see the world’s most exciting players in an iconic setting.
📅 When: June 12 – July 15, 2026
📍 Where: England (Final at Lord’s, London)
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets are now on general sale! Visit the official ICC and England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) websites to secure your place.
👉 View Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Guide
9. Asian Games 2026 (Multi-Sport)
The 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, is the second-largest multi-sport event in the world after the Olympics. It features a massive array of sports, including unique disciplines like Kabaddi and Sepak Takraw.
📅 When: September 19 – October 4, 2026
📍 Where: Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan
🎟️ Tickets: Tickets will be available through the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Organizing Committee’s official portal.
10. World Athletics Indoor Championships (Athletics)
The world’s premier indoor track and field event heads to Poland. Taking place at the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena Toruń, this championship offers a high-intensity environment where fans are close to the action. Toruń is world-renowned for its fast track, making it a prime destination for witnessing new world records.
📅 When: March 20 – 22, 2026
📍 Where: Toruń, Poland
🎟️ Tickets: Official tickets will be available through the World Athletics website and the local organizing committee’s portal.
Planning Your 2026 Sports Odyssey
✈️ Book Early: With the FIFA World Cup and Winter Olympics in the same year, global travel demand will be at an all-time high.
☀️ Check Seasons: Remember that these major tournaments span the globe—ensure you have the right gear for the Italian snow or the Indian humidity.
🛂 Visa Prep: Many fans will be crossing multiple borders in 2026 (especially for the North American World Cup). Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
Which of these 2026 mega-events are you planning to attend? Tell us your travel goals in the comments!
Last Updated on January 1, 2026 by Sports Tourist
