Scotland to Host Commonwealth Games in 2026
Glasgow is to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after a deal was backed by the Scottish government.
A scaled-down version of the event, featuring fewer sports and athletes, will return to the city 12 years after it last hosted the Games.
The Australian state of Victoria was originally chosen to stage the multi-sport event but withdrew as host due to rising costs.
Australian authorities have promised “a multi-million pound investment” to help finalise the deal.
Health and Sport Minister Neil Gray held talks with Commonwealth Games Australia yesterday to discuss funding, and received the assurances the Scottish government were looking for.
It has now written to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to officially back a “a scaled back, but high-quality” event which will see see 10 sports take place across four venues in the city, with athletics held at Scotstoun Stadium and swimming taking place at Tollcross.
CGF president Chris Jenkins said it would work closely with Commonwealth Games Scotland to formally announce Glasgow as the host city as soon a possible.
Bronze medallist Joseph Paul Amoah of Team Ghana of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
He said: “We believe Glasgow 2026 will be an important first step in our commitment to reset and reframe the Commonwealth Games as a co-created, sustainable model that minimises costs, inspires athletes, and excites hosts and International federations.”
He confirmed that Commonwealth Games Australia had contributed £2.3m to “enhance the event”. The total budget for the Games is expected to be about £114m.
