Sports fans, mark your calendars. 2026 promises to be a banner year for athletic competition, featuring everything from winter sports championships to highly anticipated summer showdowns. Across the globe, athletes will vie for glory in a schedule packed with major tournaments, competitions, and series. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of some of the biggest events shaping up for the year.
**January 2026**
The year kicks off with a flurry of activity on the slopes and ice. The FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season will be in full swing, with races across Europe and North America. Expect intense competition as skiers battle for crucial points in the overall standings. Meanwhile, hockey enthusiasts will be closely following NHL games, anticipating the playoffs later in the year. Figure skating competitions will also heat up as skaters prepare for the World Championships.
**February 2026**
February remains dominated by winter sports. Biathlon World Cup events will offer thrilling races combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Snowboarding and freestyle skiing continue to garner attention with major events showcasing daring aerial maneuvers and technical skill. Curling fans can expect key tournaments leading up to potential World Championship qualifications.
**March 2026**
March sees the conclusion of many winter sports seasons. The FIS Ski Jumping World Cup crowns its champions. The World Figure Skating Championships typically take place in March, a high-stakes event where the world's best skaters compete for medals and bragging rights. College basketball fans in the US will be consumed by "March Madness," the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, a single-elimination tournament that captivates the nation.
**April 2026**
As winter thaws, attention shifts to spring sports. Major League Baseball (MLB) gets underway, beginning its long season. The Masters Tournament, one of golf's most prestigious majors, will draw massive viewership. Professional tennis circuits will continue with tournaments around the world as players vie for ranking points leading up to the French Open.
**May 2026**
May features several major sporting events. The Giro d'Italia, one of cycling's Grand Tours, tests riders' endurance and skill across the Italian landscape. The French Open, a Grand Slam tennis tournament played on clay courts, begins in late May, attracting the world's top players. Horse racing fans will be following the Triple Crown series, starting with the Kentucky Derby held on the first Saturday in May.
**June 2026**
June is a busy month for several sports. The NBA Finals will captivate basketball fans as the league's top teams battle for the championship. The Stanley Cup Finals will determine the NHL's champion. The US Open, a golf major known for its challenging courses, will test the world's best golfers. Early summer also marks the start of Wimbledon preparations on the ATP and WTA tours.
**July 2026**
July means Wimbledon. The prestigious tennis tournament on the grass courts of the All England Club will be a highlight. The Tour de France, cycling's most famous race, will likely be underway, attracting global attention as riders navigate the challenging course through France. Major League Baseball reaches its midway point, and teams gear up for the push towards the playoffs.
**August 2026**
August typically sees the culmination of various summer sports seasons. Major League Soccer (MLS) will be in full swing, with teams competing for playoff spots. Track and field events will feature prominent athletes as they prepare for future championships. Professional golf tournaments continue, with the PGA Championship often held in August.
**September 2026**
The US Open in tennis wraps up the Grand Slam season in early September. College football in the US gains momentum as teams battle for conference championships and national rankings. The NFL season kicks off, marking the return of America's most popular sport. The MLB regular season winds down, setting the stage for the playoffs.
**October 2026**
October is synonymous with baseball playoffs. The MLB postseason intensifies, culminating in the World Series. The NFL season continues to dominate the sports landscape. College football continues its march towards bowl season. Various marathon races take place worldwide, attracting both elite runners and amateur enthusiasts.
**November 2026**
November sees the continuation of the NFL and college football seasons. The Formula 1 season nears its conclusion with races across the globe. The ATP Finals, featuring the top eight male tennis players, takes place. Preparations begin for winter sports seasons in the Northern Hemisphere.
**December 2026**
December marks the end of many sporting seasons and the beginning of winter sports competitions. College football bowl games begin, leading up to the national championship. The NFL regular season winds down, setting the stage for the playoffs. The FIS Alpine Ski World Cup and other winter sports competitions continue, providing a preview of the upcoming winter sports season in 2027.
This calendar provides a snapshot of the diverse and exciting sporting events expected in 2026. Keep an eye on individual sports governing bodies and news outlets for specific dates, locations, and broadcast information as they become available. The year promises a thrilling spectacle for sports fans worldwide.
