Commonwealth Games 2026: There will be major structural modifications at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2. Only ten core sports will be included in this edition, a significant decrease from prior editions due to a streamlined sports schedule. This choice was chosen in response to the logistical difficulties other possible hosts encountered in order to guarantee a more sustainable and economical event.
A Return to Tradition
Athletes from Commonwealth countries—mostly former British Empire nations—come together for the famous quadrennial Commonwealth Games, which feature a variety of sports. 72 teams from different nations and territories competed in the most recent edition, which took place in Birmingham, England, from July 28 to August 8, 2022.
After hosting the 2026 Games in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland will host the Games for the fourth time. Glasgow will once again be the center of attention thanks to important venues like Scotstoun Stadium and the Tollcross International Swimming Centre. When Victoria, Australia, abandoned its application because of rising expenses, the hosting selection was confirmed in September 2024.
Major Sports Removed from 2026 Program
The removal of a number of well-liked sports that have historically been a part of the Commonwealth Games is one of the biggest changes to the 2026 Games. The choice was taken in order to maintain the event’s operational viability and cost effectiveness.
The following sports will not be featured in the 2026 Commonwealth Games:
- Cricket
- Hockey
- Badminton
- Wrestling
- Table Tennis
- Rugby Sevens
- Beach Volleyball
- Mountain Biking
- Squash
- Diving
The elimination of these games is anticipated to have a significant effect, especially on nations like India, which have a long history of medal-winning in sports like wrestling, badminton, and cricket.
Core Sports for 2026
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will nonetheless feature a wide variety of thrilling sports in spite of the exclusions. The following ten main sports will be highlighted:
- Athletics and Para Athletics
- 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
In order to keep the Games competitive and manageable in the venues that are available, these sports were selected. Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena (containing the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome), and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) will be the primary locations for the event.
Why Were Popular Sports Excluded?
Budgetary and practical considerations are the main reasons for the decision to cut the number of sports from 19 in Birmingham in 2022 to just 10 in Glasgow in 2026.
- Budgetary Restrictions: It has been more and more expensive to host major multisport events like the Commonwealth Games. One of the main reasons the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) decided to concentrate on a more economical model for next events was the departure of Victoria, Australia as a host due to growing expenses.
- Operational Viability: The CGF seeks to guarantee that the Games are controllable and financially viable within the infrastructure of the host city. The 2026 Games can be held with a more economical use of resources if fewer sports are the focus.
- Return to Traditional Format: In the past, there have been about ten main sports at the Commonwealth Games. The event has grown considerably in recent years, putting a financial strain on host communities. The 2026 Games mark a return to a simpler, more conventional structure.
- Impact on Medal Prospects: Nations that thrive in popular sports like cricket and badminton, like Australia and India, may see a decline in their medal chances if these games are excluded. The lack of disciplines in which these countries excel may cause a change in their overall performance at the Games.
Glasgow’s 2026 Commonwealth Games are expected to be a small but competitive tournament with a focus on operational effectiveness and sustainability. The simplified strategy guarantees that the Games can continue to prosper in a difficult economic climate, even though the loss of a few popular sports may disappoint some athletes and fans. Now that the ten core sports are the main focus, Glasgow is poised to host another historic event that will be remembered.