A Month-by-Month Guide to Major Sporting Events in 2026
The 2026 sports calendar is packed with action, featuring the Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup as its two pinnacles. It covers a wide range of international competitions in football, tennis, cycling, and more, set to capture global attention.
Winter Olympics and Early-Year Events
From February 6 to 22, 2026, the Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, marking the event’s return to a European stage. January’s schedule includes the Australian Open (January 18 - February 1), the Dakar Rally, and the Spanish Super Cup in football. The European Men’s Handball Championship and the NBA All-Star Weekend will also take place.
A Summer Dominated by the Football World Cup
The FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. This is the first time the tournament will be held across three nations, with the number of participating teams expanded to 48. May will feature the finals of the Europa League, the Women’s Champions League, and the Europa Conference League. In July, the Tour de France will start in Barcelona and run until the end of the month.
Tennis Grand Slams and Cycling’s Grand Tours
The four Tennis Grand Slams are spread throughout the year: after the Australian Open, the French Open takes place from late May to early June, Wimbledon from late June to mid-July, and the US Open from late August to mid-September. In cycling, the Giro d’Italia is in May, the Tour de France in July, and the Vuelta a España runs from August 22 to September 13, concluding in Granada.
A Season of Autumn Championships
In August, the European Athletics Championships will be held in Birmingham, and the Road World Championships for cycling will take place in Montreal in September. Club football competitions like LaLiga and the Champions League will resume in late August. Throughout the year, various marathons, MotoGP, and Formula 1 Grands Prix are scheduled, ensuring sports fans have events to watch all year round.
