Glasgow will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games following support from the Scottish government.
This edition of the Games will feature a scaled-down format, with fewer sports and athletes, returning to the city 12 years after it last held the event. Originally, the Australian state of Victoria was selected to host the multi-sport competition but withdrew due to escalating costs.
Australian officials have pledged “a multi-million pound investment” to help finalize the agreement. Health and Sport Minister Neil Gray engaged in discussions with Commonwealth Games Australia on Monday regarding funding and received the assurances sought by the Scottish government.
The government has now officially communicated its backing to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) for a “scaled back, but high-quality” event, which will include 10 sports across four venues in the city. Athletics will take place at Scotstoun Stadium, while swimming will be hosted at Tollcross.
Gray expressed that Glasgow’s selection to host the Games is a “testament to the city’s and Scotland’s outstanding reputation for hosting international events.” He stated, “In 2026, all eyes will once again be on Glasgow, and I am confident that Scotland’s largest city will provide a suitable platform for some of the world’s top athletes.”
The minister noted that Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) would oversee the event’s budget and execution. He told BBC Scotland News, “If we exceed a significant contingency, CGS will need to reassess the delivery of the Games rather than relying on the UK or Scottish government for funding.”
He expressed hope that a more “sustainable offering” would lead to a more “diverse range of countries” hosting the Games in the future. CGF president Chris Jenkins stated that they would collaborate closely with Commonwealth Games Scotland to announce Glasgow as the host city as soon as possible.
Jenkins 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 minimizes costs, inspires athletes, and excites hosts and international federations.” He confirmed that Commonwealth Games Australia had contributed £2.3 million to enhance the event.
Ian Reid, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS), expressed his “delight” at the confirmation. He remarked, “We have consistently maintained that our Games concept for Glasgow 2026 aligns with the CGF’s strategy to make the Games more accessible for future hosts while ensuring that public funds are not required.”
Mr. Reid added, “Glasgow is one of the few cities in the Commonwealth capable of delivering on schedule, thanks to its world-class facilities, experienced workforce, and robust supply chain. This is an exciting opportunity, and we will be working diligently in the coming days to finalize the last pieces of the puzzle.”
A final decision was made during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning. Organizers have stated that the Games will not incur any costs to the public purse, with funding sourced from compensation paid to the CGF after the Australians withdrew.
The UK government will offer financial assistance if any increased security threats arise but has declined to fully underwrite the Games. Gray previously emphasized the “reputational risk as well as financial risk” for Scotland in taking on the hosting role again, asserting that no public funds could be utilized.
The total budget for the Games is expected to be around £114 million. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar remarked, “Glasgow is a great city, but it needs economic investment and renewal. By hosting the Games, we can showcase Glasgow and Scotland on the international stage, attracting investment and tourism.”
“This is our opportunity to complete the legacy of the 2014 Games, demonstrate global leadership, and deliver the change that Glasgow needs.” Sandesh Gulhane, health spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, welcomed the “fantastic news” that will be delivered at “no cost to hard-pressed taxpayers.”
“This will showcase Glasgow to the world and is a fantastic opportunity to highlight everything wonderful about the city,” he stated. “However, I hope that by then, the condition of our city will be significantly improved compared to its current state.”
Glasgow last hosted the Games in 2014, incurring a cost of £543 million, with 17 sports featured in what organizers hailed as the best Games ever. The 2026 edition will be more modest, although it remains unclear which sports will be excluded.
There will be no athletes’ village, and any opening and closing ceremonies are anticipated to be reduced in scale. Former Team Scotland athlete and swimmer Hannah Miley shared with BBC Scotland News that the Commonwealth Games is a “special event” for athletes.
She remarked, “There were so many wonderful memories from 2014, so having it again in 2026 will be a fantastic opportunity. Competing in front of a home nation is something that not many athletes experience. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance.”
The retired swimmer expressed that while it is exciting for Glasgow to host the Games once more, she has “mixed emotions” about certain sports not being included.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has faced difficulties finding hosts for the event in recent years. Durban was set to be the first African city to stage the Games in 2022, but was stripped of its hosting rights in 2017 due to financial issues.
Birmingham and the British government stepped in to save the event, contributing a combined $1 billion for what ultimately became the best-attended Games on record.
Victoria withdrew in July 2023 when the projected costs for the event became “well and truly too much” for the state to handle, while other potential hosts, such as Malaysia and Singapore, declined to take on the responsibility.
The 12-day competition was expected to exceed A$6 billion (£3.13 billion; $4.09 billion).
