The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place in Scotland from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, returning to the city of Glasgow 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Games is one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events and Glasgow 2026 is set to be the biggest sporting event in the United Kingdom in 2026.

The Games in Scotland will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed schedule across each day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators looking to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel.

Finnie the unicorn, the official mascot of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

With over 500,000 tickets available for spectators there will be plenty to enjoy in Glasgow, as around 3,000 of the world’s best athletes will be competing from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories representing 2.5 billion people – one-third of the global population. Para sport will once again be fully integrated as a key priority and point of difference for the Games, with six Para sports included on the programme.

The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball.

The Scottish Event Campus on the banks of the River Clyde

The Games will take place across four venues: 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 Glasgow 2026 Games will deliver over £100 million of inward investment into the city and is projected to support over £150 million of economic value added for the region, with a model that has been specially designed to not require public funding for the delivery of the Games. An additional multi-million-pound investment has also been secured for upgrading public sporting facilities, alongside funding for city activation projects across the city.

Scotstoun Stadium

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir NZOM 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."

Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE said: "The Commonwealth Games has a special place in the hearts of athletes around the globe, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them, their support staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the famous Scottish and Glasgow hospitality. It is an exciting moment for the city and the country."

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, added: "The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be a fantastic occasion for visitors from all around the globe to enjoy ten days of sporting magnificence in the lively and friendly city of Glasgow. It is sure to be an unforgettable experience!"

If you or your group would like to enjoy a visit to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, as part of a tailor-made tour of Scotland, please do contact our friendly team today.

All photos courtesy of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.