Glasgow, Scotland, is gearing up for the Commonwealth Games 2026, where Olympic champions and new talents will compete from July 23 to August 2.
Why it matters: The Commonwealth Games are a major international multi-sport event, featuring athletes from 74 nations. This edition promises an exciting showcase of talent and a push for sustainability.
The 23rd Commonwealth Games will occur across four venues in Glasgow.
Approximately 3,000 athletes will participate in 10 core sports, competing for 215 gold medals.
This edition marks a return to Glasgow, where the Games last took place in 2014.
Driving the news: The Games are notable for their athletic competition and for their new structure and cost-saving measures.
For the first time in 60 years, the traditional 1500m race will be replaced by the Commonwealth Mile, a historic event championed by World Athletics president Sebastian Coe.
Scotland's Josh Kerr, the world record-holder, is favored to win the men's mile, with women competing in the mile for the first time.
The big picture: The Commonwealth Games 2026 aims to set a precedent for future events by adopting a low-cost model that emphasizes sustainability.
The Games will utilize existing venues, reduce travel between sites, and cut costs significantly following Victoria's withdrawal from hosting.
Organizers hope this approach will encourage more cities to bid for future Games, countering a trend of declining interest.
What they're saying: Athletes are expressing excitement about the upcoming competition and the opportunity to make history.
Adam Peaty, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, returns to Glasgow, where he won his first major title in 2014, aiming to re-establish his dominance in swimming.
"I want to remind everyone why I’m one of Britain’s greatest swimmers," Peaty said as he prepares for the 50m and 100m breaststroke events.
By the numbers: This year's Games will feature the largest Para program in Commonwealth history.
A record 47 Para medal events will take place across six sports, including athletics and swimming.
This expansion demonstrates that cutting costs does not compromise representation for Para athletes.
Between the lines: The Games' new model reflects a broader trend in sports toward sustainability and inclusivity.
Competitions will see athletes from various nations competing alongside their non-disabled counterparts, enhancing visibility and support.
As the Games adapt, they face scrutiny over their relevance in a crowded sporting calendar.
What's next: The Commonwealth Games will kick off with a unique Day Zero event focused on bowls, highlighting the sport's growing popularity.
Bowls will be the first sport to compete, starting hours before the opening ceremony.
New indoor formats aim to attract a younger audience with simultaneous matches and entertainment.
The bottom line: The Commonwealth Games 2026 will likely be a landmark event, balancing tradition with innovation.
With athletes like Jamaica's Shericka Jackson, who is returning from injury to compete in the women's 4x100m relay, the competition is set to be fierce.
Jackson aims to regain her form after overcoming setbacks, making her participation a highlight of the Games.
As Glasgow prepares to welcome the world, the focus will be on both the athletic excellence on display and the legacy of sustainability that organizers hope to establish for future Commonwealth Games.