From frozen lakes in the Alps to floodlit desert circuits and historic grass courts, the first half of 2026 takes sport across continents, climates, and cultures. It's a season that brings together legacy tournaments, global championships, and modern spectacles that define how sport is watched, travelled for, and experienced today. Below is a curated look at the sporting events that will anchor the opening months of the year.
1. Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz | January 23–25
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Held on the frozen Lake St. Moritz, the Snow Polo World Cup is one of the most distinctive polo tournaments in the world. Established in the 1980s, it is the only high-goal polo competition played on snow, drawing international teams and spectators to the Engadin Valley each winter.
2. The ICE St. Moritz | January 30–31
St. Moritz, Switzerland
The ICE St. Moritz takes place on the same frozen lake, transforming it into an open-air showcase for classic and contemporary automobiles. The event blends motorsport heritage with design and culture, featuring curated driving displays and concours presentations against an Alpine backdrop.
3. Winter Olympic Games | February 6–22
Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
The 2026 Winter Olympics return to Italy, with events spread between Milan and the mountain resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Sports include alpine skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, snowboarding, and speed skating, with venues combining modern infrastructure and historic winter sport locations.
4. Super Bowl LX | February 8
California, USA
The Super Bowl remains the most-watched single-day sporting event in the United States. Super Bowl LX will crown the NFL champion following the 2025–26 season and is as much a cultural moment as a sporting one, bringing together sport, entertainment, and large-scale fan engagement.
5. White Turf St. Moritz | February 8, 15, 22
St. Moritz, Switzerland
White Turf is a winter horse racing series staged over three Sundays on the frozen lake. Dating back to 1907, it features flat racing, trotting, and the traditional skijoring discipline, where skiers are pulled by horses at speed.
6. Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix | March 6–8
Melbourne, Australia
The Formula 1 season opens in Melbourne, marking the first race under the sport’s new 2026 technical regulations.
7. Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix | March 13–15
Shanghai, China
The Shanghai International Circuit hosts the second round of the championship. Known for its long straights and technical corners, the race plays a key role early in the season as teams refine strategies and car setups.
8. Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix | March 27–29
Suzuka, Japan
Suzuka is one of Formula 1’s most respected circuits, valued for its technical complexity and high-speed corners. The Japanese Grand Prix often proves decisive, with small margins separating success from error.
9. Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix | April 10–12
Sakhir, Bahrain
Run under floodlights in the desert, the Bahrain Grand Prix combines high temperatures with abrasive track conditions. It is a strategic race that tests tyre management and car reliability.
10. Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix | April 17–19
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is one of the fastest street tracks on the calendar. Night racing and close barriers create a demanding environment for drivers and teams.
11. Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix | May 1–3
Miami, USA
Held around the Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Grand Prix continues Formula 1’s expansion in the United States. The race blends a street-style layout with permanent sections, attracting a new generation of fans.
12. Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix | May 22–24
Montreal, Canada
Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is known for close walls, heavy braking zones, and unpredictable outcomes. The race is a long-standing favourite among drivers and spectators.
13. Roland Garros | May 24 – June 7
Paris, France
The French Open is tennis’s premier clay-court tournament and one of the four Grand Slams. Matches are defined by endurance, precision, and tactical play on the slow Parisian clay.
14. Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix | June 5–7
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monaco remains the most historic race on the Formula 1 calendar. Its narrow streets prioritise precision and track position, making qualifying as important as race day itself.
15. Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix | June 12–14
Barcelona, Spain
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is a technical benchmark track used extensively for testing. Performance here often reflects a car’s overall competitiveness.
16. 24 Hours of Le Mans | June 13–14
Le Mans, France
The world’s most famous endurance race challenges teams to compete continuously for 24 hours. Success depends on reliability, strategy, and consistency as much as outright speed.
17. Royal Ascot | June 16–20
Ascot, United Kingdom
Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious horse racing meets in the world. With roots in the early 18th century, it remains a cornerstone of the British racing calendar.
18. Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix | June 26–28
Spielberg, Austria
Held at the Red Bull Ring, the Austrian Grand Prix features short lap times and close racing. The circuit’s elevation changes and heavy braking zones often lead to tight finishes.
19. Wimbledon Championships | June 29 – July 12
London, United Kingdom
Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, and the only Grand Slam played on grass. Its traditions, from the dress code to Centre Court, remain central to its identity.
20. FIFA World Cup | June 11 – July 19
USA, Canada, Mexico
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams and be hosted across three countries. With matches spread across North America, it marks a major expansion in scale and global reach for the tournament.
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