Glasgow will officially host the 2026 Commonwealth Games following the Scottish Government’s decision to back a scaled-down version of the event. The decision comes after talks with Commonwealth Games Australia provided the financial assurances needed to finalise the deal, 12 years after Glasgow last hosted the prestigious event.
The revised Games will feature fewer sports and athletes than in previous editions, with 10 sports taking place across four venues in the city. Athletics will be held at Scotstoun Stadium, while swimming is set to take place at Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
The Australian state of Victoria was initially chosen as the host for the 2026 Games but withdrew earlier this year, citing escalating costs. Following Victoria’s withdrawal, the Scottish Government worked closely with Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) and other partners to develop a proposal that could bring the Games back to Glasgow. Commonwealth Games Australia has pledged a multi-million pound investment, contributing £2.3 million to enhance the event.
Speaking to BBC Scotland News, Health Secretary Neil Gray said, “In 2026 all eyes will once again be on Glasgow, and I have every confidence that Scotland’s largest city will provide a fitting platform for some of the world’s top athletes.” He emphasised that the city’s reputation for hosting international events made Glasgow a natural choice after Victoria’s withdrawal.
Mr Gray also stressed that CGS would be responsible for managing the budget and delivering the Games, with no financial underwriting from the Scottish or UK governments. He told the BBC: “If there is a situation where we go beyond a very substantial contingency, CGS will need to look at the way the Games are being delivered rather than calling on either the UK or Scottish government for resource.”
He added that the Games’ smaller, more sustainable format could serve as a blueprint for future host cities, encouraging a more “diverse mix of countries to host the Games.”
CGF president Chris Jenkins, in an interview with the BBC, described the 2026 Games as an “important first step” in reshaping the future of the Commonwealth Games. 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.”
Ian Reid, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, saying: “We have been clear from the outset that our Games concept for Glasgow 2026 aligns with the CGF’s strategy to make the Games more accessible for future hosts, whilst ensuring that public funds are not required.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray also welcomed the decision, calling it a “positive outcome” for Glasgow and the Games. He noted that while some final steps remain, he is “very much looking forward to an incredible celebration of sport and seeing Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd.”
With official backing from the Scottish Government and support from international partners, Glasgow is now on track to host what could be a new era for the Commonwealth Games, bringing economic and sporting opportunities to Scotland once again.
