Scotland Accepts to Host Commonwealth Games in 2026 

The Scottish government has approved a contract that would see Glasgow host the Commonwealth Games in 2026.

A smaller version of the event, with fewer sports and athletes, will return to the city 12 years after it last held the Games.

The Australian state of Victoria was originally slated to host the multi-sport tournament; however, it withdrew owing to rising expenses. The Australian government has offered “a multi-million pound investment” to help conclude the agreement.

Health and Sport Minister Neil Grey met with Commonwealth Games Australia on Monday to discuss finance, and the Scottish government received the assurances it sought.

It has now written to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to officially support a “scaled back, but high-quality” tournament that will feature eleven disciplines over four venues in the city, including athletics at Scotstoun Stadium and swimming at Tollcross.

Gray said the fact that the city was asked to step in and host the games was a “testament to Glasgow and Scotland’s fantastic reputation for hosting international events”.

He 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.”

The minister added that CGS would be responsible for the budget and delivery of the event.

He told BBC Scotland News: “If there is a situation where we go beyond a very substantial contingency, CGS will need to look at the way then Games are being delivered rather than calling on either the UK or Scottish government for resource.”

He added that he hoped a more “sustainable offering” would allow for a more “diverse mix of countries to host the games in the future”.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said this was a “positive outcome” for both Glasgow and the Commonwealth Games.

He said: “There are still a few hoops to jump through but I’m very much looking forward to an incredible celebration of sport and seeing Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd.”