Glasgow to host 2026 Commonwealth Games as programme of sports revealed

Bowls, boxing and basketball are among the events that will be included in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with diving, hockey and badminton dropped, it has been revealed.

The event 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 games were last held in Glasgow in 2014 and included competition across 17 sports.

The Scottish city has stepped in to host after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew last year due to rising costs.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) had earlier confirmed the programme would be scaled down but vowed athletics and swimming would remain.

Katie Sadleir, chief executive of the CGF, said: “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.

“‘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.”

Around 3,000 athletes from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories are expected to compete, with six fully integrated para-competitions included.

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
• 3×3 basketball and 3×3 wheelchair basketball

Among the sports missing out compared to the 2022 games in Birmingham are triathlon, diving, hockey, T20 cricket, squash, badminton and rugby sevens.

More than 500,000 tickets will be made available for spectators.

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).

Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodation.

The 2026 event is estimated to deliver more than £100m of inward investment to the city.

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Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) previously said it had developed a concept that could be “delivered within two years and for a budget of £115m, with no ask of public funds”.

Jon Doig, chief executive of CGS, said: “When we started pulling this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was on creating a games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the short time frame, in a financially sustainable way.

“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.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said he “can’t wait” to see the nation’s athletes in action, adding that the UK government is providing up to £2.3m contingency for security costs.

He said: “This is a great example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to deliver for Scotland.”

First Minister John Swinney added: “While Glasgow 2026 will look quite different to previous games, we can, and we must, use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure that this new concept brings a strong and sustainable future for the games.”