Sports For The 2026 Commonwealth Games Confirmed
It has been confirmed that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow for the second time.
Glasgow stepped in after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out due to rising costs, prompting the organisers to create a pared-down version of the Games. The event will run from July 23rd to August 2nd, featuring 10 core sports, a sharp reduction from previous editions.
What sports are included?
A total of 3,000 athletes from up to 74 nations and territories are expected to compete, far fewer than in the past. The decision to focus on fewer sports came down to practical considerations, including venue limitations and the need to minimise costs.
Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir said the Games aim to offer "a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity," while also being more accessible to fans.
The confirmed sports include athletics, swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, netball, weightlifting, boxing, judo, lawn bowls, and 3x3 basketball. Para events will be integrated across several disciplines, such as athletics, swimming, and wheelchair basketball.
However, several popular sports like hockey, badminton, cricket, and rugby sevens have been dropped to streamline costs and logistics. Organisers have faced tough decisions, particularly around which sports to cut.
While sports like badminton and hockey have long been Commonwealth staples, financial constraints meant some had to be sacrificed.
“We understand fans and athletes will be disappointed,” said Ian Reid, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, but he added that these changes do not set a precedent for future editions.
Commonwealth Games Scotland CEO Jon Doig assured fans that despite the reduction, the Games will retain their characteristic "drama, passion, and joy."
2026 Commonwealth Games to look different from previous Games
First Minister John Swinney welcomed the event as an exciting opportunity for Scotland, while acknowledging that this version will look different from previous Games. He emphasised that the focus would be on collaboration to ensure a sustainable future for the Commonwealth Games.
Ian Murray, the Scottish Secretary, highlighted the cooperative effort between the UK and Scottish governments to make the event possible, with the UK government contributing £2.3 million for security costs.
The four venues selected—Emirates Arena, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, the Scottish Event Campus, and Scotstoun Stadium—are all pre-existing, meaning no new construction will be needed. Upgrades, such as temporary seating, will be made to accommodate the events.
Athletes and officials will stay in local hotels, with organisers working to create a "village feel" without the need for a dedicated athletes' village.
Ticket sales are expected to reach 500,000, with the Games projected to inject around £150 million into the Glasgow economy. Although the audience size will likely be smaller than in 2014, the focus is on delivering a streamlined and financially sustainable event.
