Glasgow to Host 2026 Commonwealth Games After Scottish Government Backs Scaled-Down Event

Glasgow will once again host the Commonwealth Games in 2026, following an agreement backed by the Scottish government. The event, which will be a scaled-down version of its former self, comes after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as host due to escalating costs.

The new plan will see 10 sports take place across four venues in Glasgow, with athletics at Scotstoun Stadium and swimming at Tollcross. Health and Sport Minister Neil Gray confirmed that after discussions with Commonwealth Games Australia, sufficient funding assurances had been secured, allowing Glasgow to step in.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is expected to formally announce Glasgow as the host city soon. CGF President Chris Jenkins emphasized that Glasgow 2026 will mark the first step towards a more sustainable model for the Games, aiming to minimize costs while inspiring athletes and exciting international federations.

A £2.3 million contribution from Commonwealth Games Australia has been allocated to enhance the event, and the UK government will provide additional financial support in the event of heightened security risks. However, the Games are not expected to require public funds, as the total budget is anticipated to be around £114 million, significantly lower than the £543 million spent on the 2014 Games in Glasgow.

This decision provides a lifeline for the Commonwealth Games, which has struggled to find hosts in recent years. The Games in Durban were canceled in 2022 due to financial difficulties, and Birmingham stepped in as host, while Victoria’s withdrawal in 2023 left the event searching for a replacement.

While Glasgow’s 2026 version will be more modest, with no athletes’ village and scaled-back ceremonies, the city is well-positioned to deliver a successful event with its world-class facilities and experienced workforce.