Victoria, Australia announced as 2026 Commonwealth Games host!
The CGF confirms the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be hosted by the State of Victoria in Australia
Following successful discussions between the CGF, Commonwealth Games Australia and the State of Victoria, it was agreed the region would become the 2026 stage of the major multi-sport event.
The predominantly regional 2026 Commonwealth Games will be the first of its kind, with the competitions being held across multiple cities and regional hubs, including Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland.
The aim is to showcase the best of what the State of Victoria has to offer, ensuring a unique experience for both the athletes and spectators, with the Opening Ceremony held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“It’s great news that the Commonwealth Games will return to Australia in 2026. I congratulate, Victoria, CGF, and CGAus on designing an innovative and exciting Games. Our athletes soon to compete in Birmingham and those who aspire to compete for Wales in 2026, now know that the prize is a place in Team Wales for Victoria26.” – Chris Jenkins, CGW CEO
16 sports have already been put forward for the games, including Aquatics, Athletics & Para Athletics, Cycling, Gymnastics, Netball, Rugby Sevens and Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting. Further sports will be added later this year, in a phased approach to the sports programme creation.
Australia has hosted the Commonwealth Games five times, with Victoria itself staging the competitions in Melbourne in 2006, and Bendigo in 2004. Games were also held in Sydney in 1938, Perth in 1962, Brisbane in 1982 and the Gold Coast in 2018, with the 2006 Melbourne Games being considered one of the most successful Games in Commonwealth history.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be the 23rd edition, with the first ever games being held in Hamilton, Canada in 1930.
“We’d like to congratulate the State of Victoria, Australia and our friends at Commonwealth Games Australia on their successful bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026. Melbourne 2006 was a wonderful games and I’m in no doubt that again they will deliver an exceptional Victorian experience for the athletes and spectators across the multiple cities and regional hubs. This innovative delivery model for the games must be applauded and is a great way to benefit more communities over a larger geographical area. We look forward to working with the organising committee and taking Team Wales to Australia in 4 year’s time.” – Helen Phillips MBE, CGW Head of Games Operations
As well as its history of successfully staging Commonwealth Games, the State of Victoria is host to the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup, as well as regularly hosting elite cricket and golf.
For more information on the announcement, click here
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