Major Sports Events in 2026: From ICC T20 World Cup to FIFA World Cup, 8 sporting events you can't afford to miss

Major sports events in 2026 include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, FIFA Men’s World Cup, Winter Olympics, and more. Check out the eight biggest sporting events you can’t afford to miss in this year.

While India and Argentina will defend their crowns at the cricket and football World Cups, respectively, Neeraj Chopra will likely take part in the ultimate championship. Image: AFP

The year 2026 promises to be a blockbuster for sports fans across the globe, with several marquee events lined up across different disciplines. From cricket and football to athletics, and the Olympics, the sporting calendar will be packed with action almost throughout the year.

With several global championships, multi-sport spectacles and high-stakes tournaments scheduled across the calendar, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year in international sport. Popular sporting events like the FIFA World Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup will also take place this year.

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Here are eight major sporting events in 2026 that fans simply cannot afford to miss:

1. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (Feb 7 - Mar 8)

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will kick off the year in grand style as India and Sri Lanka co-host the tournament from February 7 to March 8. Defending champions India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will be aiming to create history by becoming the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title.

2. Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 (Feb 6 - Feb 22)

One of the biggest multi-sport events in the world, the Winter Olympics, will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Athletes from across the globe will compete in various winter sports, making it one of the most-watched sporting spectacles of the year. The Winter Paralympics will be held at the same venues from March 6 to 15.

Also Read: India cricket calendar 2026: Full schedule of Indian team with dates and venues for all events

3. FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 (Jun 11 - Jul 19)

The FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 will be the highlight of the sporting year. Jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament will feature an expanded format of 48 teams, making it the biggest World Cup ever. Football fans around the world will be glued to their screens as the best teams battle for the ultimate prize.

Argentina will look to defend their title in the USA next year. Image: AFP

4. ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 (Jun 12 - Jul 5)

Women’s cricket will take centre stage with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales. The tournament begins just a day after the men’s football World Cup kicks off and will feature the world’s top women’s teams fighting for the title. India will be among the strong contenders and will look to win their maiden T20 World Cup title.

Also Read: India women’s cricket schedule 2026: Full list of fixtures for Women in Blue with dates, time, venues

5. World Athletics Ultimate Championship (Sep 11 - Sep 13)

The World Athletics Ultimate Championship, scheduled from September 11 to 13, is a new addition to the sporting calendar in 2026. India’s Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra is expected to be one of the star attractions in men’s javelin, along with Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem. Fans will also keep an eye on American sprinter Noah Lyles, pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, and others.

6. Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 (Aug 14 - Aug 30)

Hockey will take centre stage in August with the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, to be held across Wavre in Belgium and Amstelveen in the Netherlands. It will be the 16th edition of the tournament and will feature the world’s top hockey nations battling for the prestigious title, with India aiming to make a strong impact.

7. FIDE Candidates Tournaments 2026 (Mar 28 - Apr 16)

Chess will have a big year too, with the world’s top players battling it out in the prestigious Candidates tournaments. Both the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament and the FIDE Candidates Tournament will be held from March 28 to April 16 in Paphos, Cyprus. These tournaments are crucial as the winners earn the right to challenge the reigning world champions for the world title.

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Among Indians, Praggnanandhaa is in a strong position to qualify for the 2026 Candidates. Image: AFP

8. Asian Games 2026 (Sep 19 - Oct 4)

The Asian Games 2026 will be staged in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, and will feature around 15,000 athletes from 45 nations. India will enter the Games with high expectations after their historic performance at the 2022 Asian Games, where they won a record 107 medals and finished fourth overall.