Commonwealth Games returns to Glasgow

The Commonwealth Games Federation has announced the 2026 Games will return to Scotland, 12 years since the city hosted the multi-sport event in 2014. Commonwealth Games Scotland proposed an innovative approach with no public funding, capitalising on the established facilities already in place, following the success of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, which was the largest multi-sport event
ever held in Scotland with nearly 5000 athletes across 71 nations and territories.

The Games will be funded by Commonwealth Games Federation investment, and the Australian Commonwealth Games Association have promised a multi-million-pound investment to bridge any financial shortfall. Scotland have planned a viable alternative to the 2026 Games and will introduce a refreshed look for the multi-sport event. The Commonwealth Games Federation, together with Commonwealth Games Scotland have focussed on creating a collaborative and sustainable model, with minimal cost, and reducing the environmental footprint.

The sports confirmed are Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, 3x 3 Basketball and 3 x 3 Wheelchair Basketball, Boxing, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Artistic Gymnastics, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, and Netball.

Chair of Commonwealth Games Wales, Gareth Davies said ‘It’s great news that Glasgow has been confirmed as the next host for the Games. We know they can deliver a Games to an exceptional standard, and whilst they have less than 2 years to put things in place, we are extremely supportive of the announcement, and we look forward to working with Commonwealth Games Scotland in the run up to the 2026 Games. It is of course disappointing for the sports not included in the ’26 Games, but we will ensure there is constant communication between us and all of our member sports as we head into Glasgow and the Games that follow. Our immediate focus is on the next 18 months, and we will have a dedicated team of staff, support staff and volunteers who will be the driving force in ensuring Team Wales once again delivers on the world stage.’

Rebecca Edwards-Symmons, CGW CEO added ‘For us and all the CGA’s we have been waiting on this news for some time, so having this announcement today is certainly a positive step towards the Games, and we as Team Wales can’t wait to get started on the planning. 

I wasn’t in post for the Glasgow 2014 Games, but from a spectator’s perspective it was outstanding, and from all the positive talk around the next Games, and what Scotland is capable of delivering in 2026 is both exciting and a driving force for all CGA’s to be part of a special journey towards delivering a strong team to the Games.

There’s a lot of work ahead of us now, but we can’t wait to get plans in place and take our team to the Games.’