10 sports, 70 nations: Inside the biggest changes coming to Commonwealth Games

Host Chaos

The 2026 Commonwealth Games reached Glasgow after one of the most dramatic hosting battles in its history. Victoria, Australia, was originally selected but walked away due to rising costs, forcing organisers to find a new home and redesign the event on a smaller scale.

Sport Cuts

Glasgow 2026 will look very different from previous Commonwealth Games editions, with only 10 sports making the final programme. Popular events like cricket, hockey and rugby sevens have been removed, changing the competition landscape and leaving fans questioning the future direction of the Games.

Glasgow Revival

After months of uncertainty, Glasgow stepped in to rescue the Commonwealth Games and prepare a compact version of the global sporting event. The Scottish city, which hosted the Games in 2014, is bringing back the competition with fewer venues, fewer sports and a new approach.

Missing Superstar

Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout was expected to be one of the biggest attractions at Glasgow 2026 but chose to skip the Games to focus on the World Under-20 Championships. A serious hamstring injury later ended his season, turning his much-awaited year into a setback.

Medal Rush

More than 70 Commonwealth nations will compete in Glasgow across athletics, swimming, boxing, gymnastics, cycling and other events. With the opening ceremony on July 23 and competitions beginning a day later, athletes will battle for medals in a revamped edition of the Games.