Glasgow, Scotland, is set to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but with a surprising twist: rugby sevens, a sport born in Scotland, will not be part of the competition. The Games will feature a condensed 10-sport program across four venues, with athletics and swimming as compulsory events.
Rugby sevens, field hockey, triathlon, badminton, Twenty20 cricket, squash, and diving have been removed from the lineup. This decision was made to ensure the Games are “more affordable, lighter,” according to Commonwealth Games Scotland chairman Ian Reid.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will include: athletics, swimming, track cycling, gymnastics, Netball. The rest of the games are weightlifting, boxing, judo, bowls and 3×3 basketball.
Integrated para events will be held in six sports: athletics, swimming, track cycling, weightlifting, bowls, and basketball.
The next edition of the games, comes off from July 23-August 2 2026. Over 3,000 athletes from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotels.
Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir emphasized the 2026 Games will be “a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow,” focusing on sustainability, flexibility, and social impact.
Glasgow hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games at a cost of over £540 million.