Unmissable Sporting Events to Watch in 2026
The year 2026 promises a packed calendar of major sporting events across various disciplines. Football fans can look forward to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 teams. Scotland will return to the finals in a group stage that includes Brazil, while England hopes to secure their first World Cup win outside Britain since 1966.
Winter sports take center stage with the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milano Cortina, running from February 6 to 22 and March 6 to 15 respectively. The Games will feature 116 events, including the debut of ski mountaineering. Team GB aims to improve on their two medals earned in Beijing, and Team USA has appointed Snoop Dogg as honorary coach for added inspiration.
Tennis fans have several milestones to anticipate. The Australian Open from January 12 to February 1 will see Jannik Sinner targeting a third consecutive Open era title, Madison Keys defending her crown, and Roger Federer set for a high-profile match dubbed the Battle of the World No 1s.
The rugby calendar features the Men’s Six Nations tournament split between February 5–March 21 and April 11–May 17, with France beginning defense against Ireland and England facing Wales. The Women’s Six Nations kicks off with Ireland hosting the opening match.
In cricket, the Men’s T20 World Cup spans February 7 to March 8, hosted by India and Sri Lanka. England opens their campaign against Nepal, hoping for improved performance on the subcontinent.
American sport highlights include Super Bowl LX on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The Philadelphia Eagles will defend their title, while the Kansas City Chiefs will miss the playoffs. The halftime show will feature Bad Bunny, the first Latin male artist to perform at this event.
Formula One racing runs from March 6 to December 6 with 24 races. Madrid returns as a host city for the first time since 1981, replacing Imola. The season includes new Cadillac teams and changes in aero and power-unit regulations. Lando Norris aims to defend his title.
The road cycling season culminates with the Tour de France from July 4 to 26, starting with a Grand Départ in Barcelona and finishing in Paris. The Tour de France Femmes runs July 1 to August 9, with a route through Switzerland, Jura, Massif Central, and the Alps. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot will defend her women’s title.
