22 Oct 2024
The Commonwealth Games is returning to Scotland with a stripped-back programme of 10 sports and will take place across four venues between 23 July and 2 August 2026. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) said the a number of factors, including "universality of participation and quality of competition" as well as local appeal were considered when deciding what sports to include. The games were last held in Glasgow in 2014 and included competition across 17 sports.
Our Deputy Chief Executive, Richard Muir, comments:
"The city has a proven track record of hosting world-class events, from the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships to the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Hosting the 2026 Games will build on that success, with the potential to catalyse further investment and city centre enhancement.
"Glasgow is renowned for its innovative approach to major events, such as co-hosting the 2018 European Championships with Berlin—the first time the event was shared across two cities. With top-tier facilities like the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, we are well placed to host another global event. The Games will boost tourism, attract a worldwide TV audience, and reinforce Glasgow’s status as a dynamic, international city."
The events confirmed for 2026:
Athletics and para-athletics (track and field only)
Swimming and para-swimming
Artistic gymnastics
Track cycling and para-track cycling
Netball
Weightlifting and para-powerlifting
Boxing
Judo
Bowls and para-bowls
3x3 basketball and 3x3 wheelchair basketball
The four venues confirmed to host events are Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena - including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC).
More than 500,000 tickets will be made available for spectators. Around 3,000 athletes from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories are expected to compete, with six fully integrated para-competitions included.
