Glasgow, Scotland, has been formally nominated as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, succeeding the Australian state of Victoria, which withdrew in 2023 owing to rising expenses. The future Games will follow a more simplified style, with the number of sports decreased from 19 at the 2022 Birmingham Games to 10 in 2026.
Athletes will compete in track and field, swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, para track cycling, netball, weightlifting, para powerlifting, boxing, judo, bowling, para bowling, 3×3 basketball, and 3×3 wheelchair basketball. Notably, sports including badminton, beach volleyball, cricket, diving, field hockey, and rugby sevens, which were part of the 2022 edition, have been eliminated from the schedule.
According to Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir, the 2026 Games will be a transformative event, with the goal of redefining the Commonwealth Games in the future. The event is planned to prioritise cost-cutting, environmental sustainability, and social value, making it more accessible to a wider variety of potential host countries.
Glasgow previously held the Games in 2014, and Scotland’s Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games, Jon Doig, has stated that the 2026 edition will be “lighter and leaner” while keeping its prestigious position.
