Hockey, squash, and diving are set to be excluded from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Scottish city took on the hosting responsibilities after Victoria, Australia, withdrew last year. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has officially confirmed Glasgow as the host city and has announced the inclusion of 10 sports in the event.
The compulsory sports for the 2026 Commonwealth Games will include athletics, swimming, track cycling, gymnastics, netball, weightlifting, boxing, judo, bowls, and 3×3 basketball. Additionally, there will be integrated para events in athletics, swimming, track cycling, weightlifting, bowls, and basketball. However, sports such as triathlon, diving, hockey, T20 cricket, squash, badminton, and rugby sevens will not be featured in this edition.
The venues for the games will be spread across four locations within an eight-mile corridor in Glasgow, including the Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, the Emirates Arena with the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). The estimated 3,000 athletes participating, along with support staff, will be accommodated in hotels during the Games.
Scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2, 2026, the event is expected to bring £100 million in inward investment to the city without requiring any public funding for Games delivery. CGF chief executive Katie Sadleir stated that the Glasgow Games will mark the beginning of a new approach to hosting, focusing on collaboration, flexibility, and sustainability for future events.
Since 2014, only the UK and Australia have hosted the Commonwealth Games, with Glasgow being the first to host during that year. Glasgow 2026’s chief executive Jon Doig emphasized that the Games will maintain their essence of drama, passion, and joy despite being a lighter and leaner version compared to previous editions. The event aims to be more accessible, with fans getting closer to the sporting action.
With Glasgow gearing up to welcome athletes, support staff, and fans from across the Commonwealth, Doig highlighted the anticipation for the renowned Scottish and Glasgow hospitality to leave a lasting impression on all participants. This new chapter in the Commonwealth Games is seen as an exciting moment for the city and the country as they prepare to deliver a memorable sporting event for all involved.