Scotland has agreed to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026
Glasgow has been confirmed as the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games following support from the Scottish government.
The event will return to Glasgow in a reduced format, featuring fewer sports and athletes, 12 years after the city last hosted the Games.
Originally set to take place in Victoria, Australia, the event faced challenges when the Australian state withdrew due to escalating costs.
In response, Australian officials have pledged “a multi-million pound investment” to secure the new arrangement.
Health and Sport Minister Neil Gray met with Commonwealth Games Australia on Monday to discuss financial support, receiving the necessary guarantees sought by the Scottish government.
The government has now formally communicated its support for a “scaled-back, but high-quality” event to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), which will include 10 sports at four venues across the city.
The compulsory sports, Athletics and Swimming, will take place at Scotstoun Stadium and Tollcross International Swimming Centre, while additional venues and event dates are yet to be confirmed.
Mr. Gray maintained that the city being asked to step in and host the event was a “testament to Glasgow and Scotland’s fantastic reputation for hosting international events.”
He remarked: “In 2026, all eyes will once again be on Glasgow, and I have every confidence that Scotland’s largest city will provide a fitting platform for some of the world’s top athletes.”
The minister further noted that Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) would take charge of both the budget and the event’s execution.
In an interview with BBC Scotland News, he stated: “If costs exceed the considerable contingency, CGS will need to reconsider how the Games are being managed rather than relying on the UK or Scottish government for additional funding.”
Mr. Gray also expressed hope that a more “sustainable offering” would pave the way for a “diverse mix of countries to host the Games in the future.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray described the decision as a “positive outcome” for both Glasgow and the Commonwealth Games.
“There are still a few hoops to jump through,” he said, “but I’m very much looking forward to an incredible celebration of sport and seeing Scottish athletes compete in front of a home crowd.”
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