Well it’s official the Commonwealth Games are heading back to Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026. Confirmed today by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the event will showcase a scaled back 10-sport program and continues the proud tradition of the Games in Scotland, bringing together over 2,700 athletes from 74 nations.
The competitions will take place across four venues located within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring easy access for an anticipated 500,000 spectators from around the globe. This setup not only enhances the spectator experience but also allows athletes to compete in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Petria Thomas OAM, Chef de Mission for the Australian Commonwealth Games Team, expressed her enthusiasm for the announcement, calling it a significant milestone in their preparations. “We knew the Games were headed to Glasgow, and we now know when they’ll be and the sports that will take part – it’s an exciting milestone in our preparations,” she stated. Thomas highlighted their commitment to exceeding the experiences from Birmingham, aiming to create unforgettable memories for the athletes.
Thomas praised Scotland’s readiness to host the Games, emphasizing Glasgow’s reputation as a premier event city. “The Scots have declared their commitment to delivering a Games centred around athletes, and that’s all we can ask of any potential host,” she noted.
The CGF’s confirmation of dates and the sport program comes on the heels of support from the Scottish and UK Governments for the ambitious hosting vision. This year’s Games promise sustainability and cost-effectiveness, showcasing how future hosts can utilize existing infrastructure to provide a world-class experience for athletes and fans alike.
Ben Houston, President of Commonwealth Games Australia, acknowledged the importance of this development for the movement, particularly following the cancellation of the Games in Victoria. “To continue to thrive, the movement needed a reset… Scotland has delivered the perfect blueprint for ongoing success and development,” he said.
Australia is set to send a team of over 400 athletes and officials, aiming to replicate its impressive performance at Birmingham 2022, where it topped the medal tally with 180 medals, including 67 gold.
The Commonwealth Games have historically played a pivotal role in Australia’s sporting landscape, with 46% of Australian athletes making their international debut at these Games. The goal for 2026 is clear: to be the number one nation in terms of gold medals, overall medals, and the number of sports winning medals.
For more information about the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, visit www.glasgow2026.com. The countdown is on as Australia prepares to make its mark once again on this prestigious stage!
Sport Program and Venues
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature an array of sports, including:
- Athletics and Para-Athletics
- Basketball 3×3 and Wheelchair Basketball
- Bowls and Para-Bowls
- Boxing
- Cycling and Para-Cycling (Track)
- Gymnastics (Artistic)
- Judo
- Netball
- Swimming and Para-Swimming
- Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting
