The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has officially confirmed Glasgow as the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting event to be held in the United Kingdom, which will take place from 23 July to 02 August 2026.
12 years on from the successful 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland, will again host a 10-sport programme concentrated in four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed coverage on every day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators who want to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel.
More than 500,000 tickets will be made available for around 3,000 of the best athletes from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories, representing 2.5 billion people – a third of the world’s population. Para sport will once again be fully integrated as a key priority and differentiator for the Games, with six Para-sports included in the sports programme.
The sports on the programme are athletics and Para-athletics (track and field), swimming and Para-swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling and Para-track cycling, netball, weightlifting and Para- powerlifting, boxing, judo, bowls and Para-Bowls, and 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball.
The Games will be held at four venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome – and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes and support staff will be staying in hotel accommodation.
The Glasgow 2026 Games will bring over £100 (€120.04) million of inward investment to the city and is expected to generate over £150m (€ 180.06m) of economic value to the region, with a model designed to require no public funding. An additional multi-million pound investment has also been secured to upgrade public sports facilities, as well as funding for city activation projects across the city.
The branding for the Glasgow Games has also been unveiled. For the first time in the history of the Games, the logo combines the Commonwealth Sport logo with the overall visual identity of the 2026 Games – underlining the central role of the Commonwealth Games within the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement.
It features graphic elements of Glasgow inspired by some of the engineering, architectural and natural elements found at the heart of the city. These include representations of the River Clyde, the Finnieston Crane, and the Clyde Arc, all centered in the Commonwealth Sport celebration mark in the colours of the waterfront – symbolising the meeting point of sport and culture at the heart of the Games.
Katie Sadleir NZOM, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said, “On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement, we are delighted to confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow. The Games promise to be a immersive festival of sport and a celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sport – with a fan experience that is more accessible than ever before.”
“We have worked tirelessly with our stakeholders to ensure a high quality Games in 2026 that will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in resetting and redefining the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces environmental impact and increases social impact – broadening the range of countries able to host.
“With Glasgow 2014’s legacy of existing sporting, transport, accommodation, world-class venues and expertise, we look forward to deliver a very special Commonwealth Games in 2026. Our Movement’s commitment to sport for development and social change remains at the heart of Glasgow 2026 and beyond – with the full integration of Para-sport a priority, the Games will continue to be an inspiring platform.”
Jon Doig, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said, “We are delighted to have secured Glasgow as the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. When we started to put this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was to create a Games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the shortest time and in a financially sustainable way.
“Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy of the Commonwealth Games, but it will be lighter than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, on a smaller footprint and bring our fans closer to the sporting action. We’re looking forward to welcoming the best athletes, their staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the Scottish and Glaswegian hospitality.”
First Minister John Swinney said, “The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scottish sport and an exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland. As well as an action-packed, inclusive sporting programme that will inspire and excite audiences around the world, Glasgow 2026 will also be a cultural celebration.
“I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their hard work and dedication in putting together a viable proposal for Glasgow 2026 – and the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their support in securing the Games. I believe this epitomises the Commonwealth spirit and willingness to work together.
“While Glasgow 2026 will look very different to previous Games, we can, and must use this as an opportunity to work together to ensure that this new approach delivers a strong and sustainable future for the Games. The Scottish Government is committed to playing its part in building this new vision.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said, “It is fantastic news that the Commonwealth Games Federation has formally confirmed Glasgow as the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This is great news for the Commonwealth Games and another opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate our ability to host world-class sporting events.
“There will be a competition programme across 10 sports and I can’t wait to see our talented Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd. The UK Government has actively supported the proposal to bring the 2026 Games to Glasgow, and is providing up to £2.3 million (€ 2.76 million) of funding for security costs. This is a example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to deliver for Scotland.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said, “We are delighted to welcome the Commonwealth Games back to Glasgow in 2026, where Scotland’s renowned hospitality and unwavering passion for sport will once again light up the city on the world stage.
“”The UK Government is a long-standing supporter of the Games and we’re proud to have played our part in making Glasgow 2026 a reality, supporting the Scottish Government, Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation. Together we are committed to delivering an unforgettable Games that will inspire athletes, fans and communities in the country for generations to come”.
Leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken, said, “The 2026 Games are an opportunity to set a new blueprint for the future of sustainable, accessible Commonwealth sport – and it should come as no surprise that the organisers believe Glasgow is the place to do it. Our city has a proven track record of hosting major events – and working with organisers to ensure that new competitions get off to the best possible start.
2Glasgow benefited greatly from hosting the 2014 Games and officials have shared their expertise and experience with the Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation as they have developed their plans for 2026. These Games will be different by design, different to those Glasgow hosted a decade ago – but the city will play its part in making them a success on its own terms,” she said.
