If you love traveling and live sports, 2026 is going to be your year. With global championships including the FIFA World Cup and Winter Olympics, as well as iconic contests such as Wimbledon, Formula 1 races and Super Bowl games on the horizon, there will be a plethora of occasions to take sports fans out of their seats.
Sports tourism is expanding rapidly, and 2026 represents the ideal combination of world-class competitions and unforgettable travel adventures. Whether you’re mad about football, an F1 fan, love tennis or can’t get enough of a good round of golf – this is the year for attending one that’s truly worth getting on a plane.
Why Go Anywhere for Sports in 2026?
It’s not just about watching a match anymore, sports tourism. It’s about creating lifelong memories. Sports travel in 2026 makes sense for several reasons — here’s why:
See the bucket-list events in person, not on a screen.
Get to know new cities and cultures while enjoying the games
Share the thrill with fans around the world
Transform your favorite sport into an ultimate vacation
Among other things, with that lineup of events and the fact that those events are taking place literally around the world, 2026 offers travelers a way to kill four birds with one stone: sports (and) sightseeing (and) food (and) culture.
Top Sports Events Around the World Worth Traveling to in 2026
January:A High Energy Way to Start the Year
Australian Open (12th of January – 1st of February | Melbourne, Australia)
The opening Grand Slam chapter of the year begins in sunny Melbourne. Fans can experience world-class tennis whilst getting away from winter and enjoying the sunshine, beaches and café lifestyle of Australia.
College Football Playoff national championship (Jan. 19 | Miami)
Scheduled in the thumb of Big 10 territory, this game features two of the very best American college teams and is a barn-burner. Add sunny weather and nightlife in Miami to the mix, and it’s even more enticing.
February: Football Fever and Winter Sports
Winter Olympics (Feb. 6-22, Milan & Cortina, Italy)
The Winter Olympics descend on northern Italy with skiing, ice skating, snowboarding and more. Followers can mix world-class sports with Italian food, historic cities and scenic mountain vistas.
Super Bowl LVIII (Feb. 8 Santa Clara, Calif.)
It’s not just a football game — it’s a worldwide entertainment spectacle. With the best teams, huge halftime shows and all-star players — it’s a must see.
March: Inspiration Through Sport
Paralympic Winter Games (March 6–15 | Italy)
The Paralympic Games always stun with incredible athletes putting on a show after the Olympics have ended. It’s an inspirational event showcasing the power of sport that transcends competition.
April: Basketball and Golf in the Spotlight
NCAA Final Four Basketball
Men’s: April 3–6 | Indianapolis
Women’s: April 2–5 | Phoenix
It is one of the most fun times in college basketball. Fast play, rabid fans and a dramatic finish make the Final Four a sports traveler’s favorite.
The Masters (April 9 to April 12 | Augusta, Ga.)
Golf’s most hallowed tournament is steeped in tradition, played on a gorgeous course and punctuated by unforgettable moments. A trip where golf enthusiasts can get in touch with their classic sporting side.
May: Style Meets Sport
Kentucky Derby (May 2Louisville, Ken.)
Often referred to as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” the Kentucky Derby combines thoroughbred racing with fashion, music and Southern hospitality. And vibrant hats, and mint juleps and some character to remember.
JUNE–JULY The Sports Tourism High-Season
FIFA World Cup (June 11 – July | USA, Canada & Mexico)
The world’s largest sports spectacle hits the North American continent. With games in several cities, fans can follow their teams around the continent while also experiencing new cultures, stadiums and cuisine.
2018 Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix (June 4 – 7 | Monaco)
Among the most glitzy dates on the F1 calendar, Monaco marries high-speed racing with luxury yachts, striking views and top-end nightlife.
U.S. Open Golf (June 18 – 21 | Southampton, N.Y.)
Played out in the Hamptons, this major championship provides world-class golf with a laid-back summer travel vibe.
Wimbledon (June 29 to July 13, London)acist and sexist comments.
The formidable bastion of Tradition. Strawberries, cream, royal sightings and the very best tennis stars entertain year after year.
British Grand Prix (July 4-6 | Silverstone, England)
This event is one of the most historic races in Formula 1 and includes fantastic action as well as an fervent motorsport crowd.
August–September: Tennis and F1 Continue
U.S. Open Tennis (Aug. 30 -Sept. 13) New York City
The last Grand Slam of the year fuses the best tennis with NYC’s energy. Night matches, large crowds and city attractions make it a good experience.
Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix (September 11-13 | Madrid)
This year’s F1 race in Spain is on a brand-new hybrid street circuit, which promises an exciting new experience for fans.
October–November: A Grand Finale
World Series (Late-October | USA) And of course the World Series.
The greatest event in baseball brings some fierce competition and classic American sports culture.
Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix (19 – 21 November | Las Vegas)
A neon-lit F1 race amid casinos and entertainment – Las Vegas offers one of the most thrilling race weekends of the year.
Final Thoughts
2026 is going to be a golden year for sports tourism. With worldwide competitions, legendary arenas and epic atmospheres – there’s never been a better time to take your passion for sports on the road.