The biggest sporting events to come in 2026

Sports fans won’t need long to find something to look forward to in 2026. From global tournaments to iconic annual showpieces, the calendar is stacked with major events across every corner of the sporting world. 

Whether you follow football, golf, tennis or multi-sport festivals, 2026 promises a blockbuster year. And with platforms like BETDAQ offering new ways to trade opinions on a betting exchange, fans can stay closer to the action than ever before

Australian Open – Melbourne (12 January–1 February)

The sporting year begins in Melbourne Park as the world’s best kick off the tennis Grand Slam season. Jannick Sinner is seeking a hat-trick in the first Grand Slam of next year, a feat only 10-time champion Novak Djokovic has achieved in the tournament’s entire history.  

Winter Olympics – Milano Cortina (6–22 February)

A stunning Alpine backdrop awaits as Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo host the 2026 Winter Olympics. It will be the first Games to split events so distinctly between two cities, combining the glamour of Milan with the heritage of Cortina’s legendary pistes. Expect renewed rivalries in alpine skiing, figure skating, snowboarding and ice hockey as nations battle for early-year glory.

Super Bowl – Santa Clara (8 February)

Around the same time as the Winter Olympics, the NFL season reaches its dramatic climax at Levi’s Stadium. The Super Bowl remains the biggest annual sporting event in the United States, drawing hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.  With storylines that shape legacies and Bad Bunny set to dominate pop culture in the halftime show, the 2026 edition will once again be unmissable.

The Masters – Augusta National (9–12 April)

The chase for the Green Jacket opens golf’s major season in its traditional spring slot. Augusta’s immaculate fairways and infamous Amen Corner will once again test the world’s best. Rory McIlroy will be hoping to make history in Georgia, with the chance to become just the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters. 

PGA Championship – Aronimink Golf Club (14–17 May)

Aronimink returns to the spotlight as the PGA Championship moves to Pennsylvania. Known for its strategic layout, it promises a stern test of ball-striking. It’s the first time since 1962, when Gary Player prevailed, that the course will host the second major of the year. 

French Open – Roland Garros (24 May–7 June)

Clay-court tennis reaches its pinnacle in Paris. Carlos Alcaraz is heading into the French Open seeking a third consecutive victory at Roland Garros. Only the clay court king, Rafael Nadal, and Bjorn Borg have achieved that feat in the Open Era. 

FIFA World Cup – United States, Canada & Mexico (11 June–19 July)

The first 48-team World Cup will take place across North America, making it the largest edition in history. With host cities spread across three nations, fans can expect record attendances and a festival atmosphere. From the group stages to the final, the tournament will dominate the global sporting conversation throughout the summer. Spain, England, France and Argentina are amongst the favourites for the title. 

US Open – Shinnecock Hills (18–21 June)

One of America’s oldest and toughest courses hosts the US Open, where narrow fairways and punishing rough reward precision above all else. Brooks Koepka won the title last time it was held here in 2018, and the LIV Golf pro will be hoping to claim his third US Open in 2026. 

Wimbledon – The Championships (29 June–12 July)

The grass-court major brings tradition, elegance and world-class tennis to SW19. Sinner dethroned Alcaraz this year to claim his first Wimbledon title, and the battle between the Spaniard and Italian is set to light up Centre Court and beyond again in 2026. 

The Open – Royal Birkdale (16–19 July)

Links golf at its finest. Royal Birkdale has produced iconic champions, and its windswept layout will again set the stage for drama in 2026. Tommy Fleetwood has been in sensational form in 2025, breaking his PGA Tour duck in the TOUR Championship, and it would be massive if he could win his first major on home soil. 

Commonwealth Games – Glasgow (23 July–2 August)

 12 years after hosting the Games in 2014, Glasgow welcomes the Commonwealth nations once more. With athletics, aquatics, cycling, boxing and more on the schedule, it is set to be one of the UK’s standout sporting events of the year.

The US Open – Flushing Meadows (31 August–13 September)

New York closes out the Grand Slam season with its trademark noise and energy. With late-night thrillers and capacity crowds, the US Open is always one of the most dramatic events on the tennis calendar. Alcaraz will arrive as the defending champion, having beaten Sinner in the final.