Victoria, Australia, to Host 2026 Commonwealth Games

Victoria, Australia, will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in a new regional approach to the multisport competition with events held in Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland.

The Commonwealth Games Federation’s official announcement on Tuesday comes after an exclusive dialogue period between the CGF, Commonwealth Games Australia and Victoria based around the CGF’s 2026/30 Strategic Roadmap, which provides renewed flexibility for hosts.

“The Commonwealth Games Federation is absolutely delighted to award the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria,” CGF President Dame Louise Martin said. “Commonwealth Games Australia and the Victorian Government have set out a bold and innovative vision for hosting our major multi-sport event. In Victoria, we believe we have found the perfect partner for the next stage of our journey.”

The CGF, CGAus and Victoria entered an exclusive dialogue period in February 2022 followed by a Victoria 2026 delegation presenting their proposal to the CGF Executive Board in Birmingham, England in March 2022. The Proposal has now been approved by the CGF Executive Board, with the Host Contract signed in Victoria today.

“Commonwealth Games Australia is thrilled to welcome the athletes of the Commonwealth back to Australia and we look forward to working with both the CGF and the Victorian Government to bring the Games to life across Victoria in 2026,” Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston said. “A home Games will provide immeasurable benefits for our Member sports and will inspire our athletes in what will be a unique and exciting Games.”

Victoria 2026’s Opening Ceremony will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. An initial 16 sports have been put forward for the Games, with further sports to be added later this year. The 2026 Games will be the 23rd edition of the major multisport competition, which first began in Hamilton, Canada in 1930. The 2022 Games will be staged in Birmingham, England, starting July 28.