Glasgow officially CONFIRMED as 2026 Commonwealth Games hosts as cut-down list of sports revealed

AS expected, Glasgow has been officially confirmed as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

And after much speculation regarding what sports would and wouldn’t take place, a downsized list of 10 events has been revealed.

Alamy

Team Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games[/caption]

Alamy

Glasgow is stepping in to host the games again[/caption]

PA

Eilish McColgan won gold at the last Commonwealth Games[/caption]

Track cycling will be back at the Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy VelodromeGetty Images - Getty

Glasgow has stepped in to host the 2026 games after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out due to issues over the spiralling costs.

Victoria paid £190.5million to OFFLOAD hosting responsibilities.

And as we told you last month, Glasgow was stepping up to the plate.

That widely anticipated news has officially been rubber-stamped and Glasgow will host the games for the second time in just 12 years.

It’s been confirmed the games will take place between Thursday 23 July and Sunday 2 August next year.

In terms of the sports that will be taking place, we already knew that athletics and swimming would be happening as those are mandatory.

But with the programme reducing from 17 sports to 10 from the last Commonwealth Games in 2022, it means some big events will NOT be returning for Glasgow 2026.

These include badminton, hockey, diving and rugby sevens.

And the decision not to include hockey has particularly upset Scottish Hockey who have hit out at the decision.

In a blistering statement, CEO Derek Keir said: “We are deeply disappointed that hockey won’t feature in Glasgow 2026.

“Hockey enjoys representation from a wide diversity of people, and Commonwealth nations, and Scottish Hockey worked hard to lobby alongside a number of other Commonwealth nations and the FIH.

“Fundamentally we are so disappointed for our players, officials, and support staff who will miss out on the experience. Scottish Hockey is looking forward to an exciting year in 2025 with international teams participating at the top end of our sport. Our athletes, staff and officials are performing on the biggest stages in international hockey and we look forward to cheering them on as they proudly fly the flag for Scotland.”

In addition, NO street events – such as a marathon – will be part of the schedule.

The 10 sports that WILL be taking place are: Athletics, swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, netball, weightlifting, boxing, judo, bowls and 3×3 basketball.

Para sport will be fully integrated with six Para sports within the programme.

Some of the sports, including cycling, will see the number of disciplines cut down from previous schedules.

As anticipated, four venues are being used for Glasgow 2026.

The home of rugby’s Glasgow Warriors, Scotstoun Stadium, will play host to the athletics.

As we told you in September, the other three venues being used will be the Emirates Arena, Tollcross International Swimming Centre and the SEC.

Organisers say 500,000 tickets will be made available for the games with up to 3,000 athletes from 74 nations expected in Scotland’s biggest city.

There will be opening and closing ceremonies, although exactly how they will look remains to be confirmed.

Katie Sadleir, the Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive, said:  ‘’On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement, we are delighted to officially confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in the host city of Glasgow. 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 Commonwealth Games held in such high esteem by athletes, sports and nations across the Commonwealth, we have been working tirelessly with our fellow stakeholders to ensure a high-quality Games will take place in 2026 – securing this vital milestone in the career pathway for thousands of athletes.

‘’The 2026 Games will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in our journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact – in doing so increasing the scope of countries capable of hosting.

‘’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.

‘’Our Movement’s commitment to sport for development and social change remains central to Glasgow 2026 and beyond – with full integration of Para sport a priority the Games will continue to be an inspiring and impactful platform.’’

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page