Full list of sports confirmed for scaled-down Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Glasgow has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with diving, hockey, and badminton notably absent from the sports roster. The slimmed-down event is scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2, as announced by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) on Tuesday.

Glasgow steps up once more following its successful hosting in 2014, filling in after Victoria, Australia, pulled out last year. Set to organise a compact programme, the upcoming Games will feature just 10 sports across four venues in close proximity, all lying within an eight-mile stretch.

More than half a million tickets are expected to be up for grabs for eager fans.

For 2026, the mandatory athletics and swimming events are secure on the calendar, along with track cycling, gymnastics, netball, weightlifting, boxing, judo, bowls, and the inclusion of 3×3 basketball. Inclusion is also a key motive, with integrated para events taking place for six sports - a welcome feature for athletes and supporters alike.

While some sports make a return after the Birmingham 2022 Games, others like triathlon, T20 cricket, squash, and rugby sevens find themselves cut from the list. Commonwealth Games Scotland chairman Ian Reid spoke candidly about the difficulty in sport selection, citing affordability and sustainability as determining factors.

On BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme, Reid explained: "I think everybody recognises that these events need to be more affordable, lighter and we would have loved to have all of our sports and all of our athletes competing but unfortunately it’s just not deliverable or affordable for this time frame."

CGF Chief Executive Katie Sadleir has expressed excitement over the forthcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games, confirming Glasgow as the host city. She stated: "On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement, we are delighted to officially confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in the host city of Glasgow."

Speaking on the event, she added, "The Games promise to be a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sports – with a fan experience more accessible than ever before."

Sadleir then touched upon the strategic vision for the Games, asserting, "The 2026 Games will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in our journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact – in doing so increasing the scope of countries capable of hosting."

She highlighted Glasgow's previous experience by stating, "With the reassuring legacy of Glasgow 2014 providing existing sporting, transport and accommodation infrastructure, and world-class venues and expertise, we look forward to working with the Glasgow team to deliver a very special Commonwealth Games in 2026."

The event is set to see around 3,000 athletes from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories compete, representing a massive 2.5 billion people – approximately one-third of the global population.

The Commonwealth Games are set to return to Glasgow in 2026, with four venues confirmed for the event: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – which includes the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome – and the Scottish Event Campus. The city is expected to see an influx of over £100 million from the Games.

Jon Doig, Commonwealth Games Scotland chief executive, expressed his excitement: "We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Glasgow as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games."

He added, "Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, delivered on a smaller footprint which brings our fans closer to the sporting action."

Athletes and support staff will enjoy hotel accommodations rather than a traditional athletes' village. John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, also commented on the significance of the Games: "The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scottish sport and an exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland."

He continued, "As well as an action-packed, inclusive sports programme that will inspire and excite audiences across the globe – Glasgow 2026 will also be a cultural celebration."

Swinney concluded by thanking those involved in securing the Games: "I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their hard work and dedication to produce a viable proposal for Glasgow 2026 – and to the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their assistance in helping to secure the Games."

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has welcomed the decision, saying: "This is good news for the Commonwealth Games and yet another opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate their ability to put on world class sporting events."

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed her excitement: "We’re thrilled to welcome the Commonwealth Games back to Glasgow for 2026, where Scotland’s renowned hospitality and unwavering passion for sport will once again light up the city on the world stage."

She added, "The UK Government has long supported the Games, and we’re proud to have played our part in making Glasgow 2026 a reality, backing the Scottish Government, Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation to deliver a world-class event."

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken also commented on the potential of the upcoming games: "The 2026 Games are an opportunity to set out 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 they can make that happen."

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