Top Sports Travel Destinations You Can’t Afford To Miss in 2026

At Naija Girl Abroad, we believe travel should be more than just ticking boxes. It should be about immersive experiences that truly count. That is why we are helping you look ahead and plan for 2026, a year packed with unforgettable sporting events across the globe. If you are serious about making 2026 the year you combine your love for travel and sports into life-changing adventures, this guide is for you. From world-class tournaments to hidden gems for sports tourism, here are the places you need to be and why.

Why 2026 Is the Year for Sports Travel

It’s almost that time again when the global population unites on the world’s biggest stage; the FIFA World Cup 2026. It feels like only yesterday that Qatar hosted the 2022 edition, but this one promises to be even bigger. Kicking off on Thursday, 11 June 2026, the tournament will make history as the first World Cup ever hosted across three countries of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with an expected lineup of 48 teams. But the World Cup isn’t the only major sporting event on the horizon. 2026 will also welcome the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, and the Asian Games in Japan. Altogether, these global events will make 2026 a golden year for sports tourism. So, get your passports, visas, jerseys, and luggage ready. The adventure of a lifetime awaits.

The Biggest Sporting Events to Travel for in 2026

Now that you know why 2026 is set to be a golden year for sports travel, let’s look at the major sporting events on the horizon. We’ve included dates, locations, and direct links so you can start planning and booking early:

UEFA Futsal Euro 2026 - Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia (21 January 2026 - 7 February 2026)

2026 Asian Beach Games - Sanya, China - (22 April 2026 - 30 April 2026)

FIFA World Cup 2026 – USA, Canada and Mexico (11 June – 19 July 2026)

2026 Commonwealth Games – Glasgow, Scotland (23 July 2026 - 2 August 2026)

European Athletics Championships – Birmingham, UK (10 August 2026 - 16 August 2026)

20th Asian Games Aichi - Nagoya 2026 (19 September 2026 - 4 October 2026)

Planning Ahead For Your Year of Sports Tourism

Flights and hotels can significantly spike in price as these sporting event dates approach, especially in host cities. Our travel savvy hack is to plan ahead and book smart.

If you require a visa, check the official websites of the host countries' consulates for up-to-date visa requirements, application steps, and processing times. Some visas can take several weeks or even months to secure, so it’s best to start the process as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress.

Book flights 3–6 months on ahead, for short-haul or long-haul flights to lock in lower fares. Book your hotels, Airbnb stays or serviced apartments early. Importantly, we recommend booking multi-destination and refundable flight tickets if you will be following the FIFA World Cup across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

So, whether you’re chasing travel goals, medals, or simply new horizons, make 2026 the year you travel with purpose and passion.

Ready to start planning? Find your perfect flights and hotels now with Skyscanner and lock in the best deals before the rush begins.