Is 2026 next year? Here’s the simple answer that will change how you plan your 2026 sports calendar

Is 2026 next year? Yes, 2026 is absolutely the next calendar year, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most spectacular sporting years in decades. While we’re still enjoying 2025, the sports world is already buzzing with anticipation for an incredible lineup of global events.

When Exactly Is 2026 and What Year Are We In?

We’re currently in 2025, and 2026 is the very next calendar year coming up in just weeks. The calendar year runs from January 1 through December 31, so 2026 will begin on January 1, 2026. Simple as that—counting still trips some people up, but the math is straightforward for which year comes next.

Think of it this way: you’re watching a 2025 calendar wind down, with 2026 right on the horizon. It’s the immediate future, packed with some of the biggest sporting moments globally.

The FIFA World Cup Returns With Historic Format Changes

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a watershed moment in soccer history. For the first time ever, the tournament will feature 48 teams instead of the traditional 32, creating more matches and more opportunities for nations to compete. The tournament takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026 and will be jointly hosted across 16 cities in three North American countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This expanded format means 104 total matches instead of the usual 64, making it the largest World Cup tournament in history. The draw was recently completed, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match on June 11. Group stage play runs through June 27, with knockout rounds continuing into early July for the dramatic finale.

Tournament	Dates	Location
FIFA World Cup 2026	June 11 – July 19	USA, Canada, Mexico
Winter Olympics	Feb 4-22	Milano Cortina, Italy
Super Bowl LX	February 8	Santa Clara, California
Commonwealth Games	July 23 – Aug 2	Glasgow, Scotland

Winter Olympics Return to Italy With World-Class Competition

The 2026 Winter Olympics will transform Milano Cortina in northern Italy into the center of the Olympic world. Preliminary competitions begin February 4, 2026, with the grand Opening Ceremony on February 6. The games continue through the Closing Ceremony on February 22, 2026. This marks the return of winter sports’ biggest stage to Italy, showcasing everything from ice hockey and figure skating to alpine skiing and snowboarding.

The Paralympic Winter Games follow shortly after, running from March 6 to March 15, 2026. Venues span across Lombardy and Northeast Italy, with competitions held at multiple iconic locations throughout the region.

American Football Takes Center Stage on Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl fans will circle February 8, 2026 on their calendars immediately. Super Bowl LX will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The NFL playoffs wrap up just before this date, setting the stage for the championship matchup that captures global attention. Prior to the big game, the Pro Bowl Games take place February 1-3, 2026 in California, giving fans extra NFL action to enjoy.

“2026 is one of the most exciting years in sporting history, with a 48-team World Cup, Winter Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and countless other major tournaments all happening in a single calendar year.”

— Sources from multiple international sports organizations

What Makes 2026 Such a Special Year for Global Sports?

Beyond the major tournaments, 2026 features an unprecedented concentration of world-class sporting events. The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games (July 23 – August 2) brings together 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories competing across 10 sports and 6 para sports. This is just Glasgow’s second time hosting, with the city previously hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The year also includes major competitions like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, European Athletics Championships, World Fencing Championships, and countless domestic seasons across multiple sports. Whether you follow football, hockey, skiing, cricket, or any other sport, 2026 promises unforgettable moments.

Are You Ready for What 2026 Will Bring to Sports?

So yes, 2026 is definitely next year, and you won’t want to miss it. Mark your calendars starting with Super Bowl LX on February 8, then prepare for the Winter Olympics in February. By June, the entire world will turn its attention to North America for the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup. Finally, wrap up the summer with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in late July.

With this incredible lineup of events, 2026 is shaping up to be remembered as one of the greatest sporting years in modern history. The countdown is officially on!

Sources

• FIFA.com – Official 2026 World Cup tournament information and schedule
• Olympics.com – Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics details and competition schedule
• NFL.com – Super Bowl LX and 2026 NFL schedule information