Glasgow to host 2026 Commonwealth Games

Glasgow, which hosted the event 10 years ago, will do so again, though some sports will need to be dropped as the Commonwealth Games Federation aims to reduce costs.

Why Glasgow?

• The Australian state of Victoria abruptly withdrew as host of the 2026 Games in July 2023, blaming escalating costs.
• Since then, speculation has grown about whether Glasgow could build on its successful hosting of the event in 2014, amid concerns from the Scottish and UK governments about financing the event.
• Following lengthy negotiations with organizers, the Scottish government has now signed off on staging the 2026 Games.

Budget 

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) offered Scotland almost $A200m (£100m) from the Victorian government’s $A380m compensation owed for pulling out of hosting the event.

Remarks by CGF president

• An important first step” towards a new model of Games that minimized cost and encouraged more countries to consider hosting in future.
• It should be no surprise that, in looking to reimagine competitive sport at a Commonwealth level, organizers feel Glasgow is a place where their plans can flourish.”

About Commonwealth Games

• The Commonwealth Games bring nations together in a colorful celebration of sport and human performance.
• Held every four years, with a hiatus during World War II, the Games have grown from featuring 11 countries and 400 athletes, to a global spectacle of 4,600 sports men and women from across nations and territories.

What is CGF?

• The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is an Associated Organisation of the Commonwealth.
• The CGF is the organisation responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games.
• The Commonwealth Games is a unique, world class, multi-sports event which is held once every four years.
• It is often referred to as the ‘Friendly Games’.
• As a means of improving society and the general well being of the people of the Commonwealth, the CGF also encourages and assists education via sport development and physical recreation.

1. Only two Asian cities have hosted the Commonwealth Games: Kualumpur, Malaysia, in 1998 and Delhi in 2010.
2. Commonwealth Sport Members: 74 countries