London is set to confirm its reputation as one of the world’s greatest sporting cities in 2026, with a full year of high-profile international sports events across football, rugby, cricket, tennis, motorsport and more.
From global championships to historic first-time events, the UK capital will welcome millions of fans to its stadiums, arenas and streets, offering something for almost every sports follower.
Landmark Firsts and Major Returns
Several events in 2026 will mark important milestones for London sport. Wembley Stadium will host its first-ever American college football game, bringing a new audience to the iconic venue. Rugby fans will also see the launch of the inaugural Rugby Nations Championship finals at Twickenham.
Basketball returns to the city with NBA games at The O2 Arena, while tennis fans will witness history as London becomes the first city to host the prestigious Laver Cup twice. The event’s return highlights London’s growing influence in elite global sport.
Classic Annual Events Remain a Major Attraction
Alongside these new additions, London’s famous annual sporting events will once again draw worldwide attention. Wimbledon, the London Marathon, FA Cup finals at Wembley and the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace will all return in 2026.
The darts championship will take place in a larger upgraded space within Alexandra Palace, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity and rising attendance.
Strong Future Ambitions for Global Sport
London’s sporting ambitions extend well beyond 2026. Mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed that the city is exploring hosting opportunities for major future events, including the 2027 Tour de France Femmes. London is also bidding to host events linked to the 2029 World Athletics Championships and the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
These bids underline the city’s long-term commitment to attracting major international sporting competitions.
Major Sports Events in London – 2026 Calendar
Below is a confirmed list of large-scale sports events scheduled to take place in London during 2026. Regular league fixtures such as Premier League and Women’s Super League matches are not included.
January
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January 18: NBA Basketball – Orlando Magic vs Memphis Grizzlies (O2 Arena)
February
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February 1: FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Final (Emirates Stadium)
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February 7 & 21: Men’s Six Nations Rugby (Twickenham)
March
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March 22: EFL Carabao Cup Final (Wembley Stadium)
April
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April 11: Women’s Six Nations Rugby (Twickenham)
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April 26: TCS London Marathon
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April 28 – May 10: World Table Tennis Championships (OVO Arena Wembley & Copper Box)
May
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May 16: Men’s FA Cup Final (Wembley)
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May 30: Challenge Cup Final (Wembley)
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May 31: Women’s FA Cup Final (Wembley)
June
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June 4–21: England vs New Zealand Men’s Cricket Test Series (Lord’s & The Oval)
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June 8–21: The Queen’s Club Championships
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June 12 – July 5: ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup (Lord’s & The Oval)
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June 29 – July 12: Wimbledon Championships
July
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July 18: London Athletics Meet (London Stadium)
August
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August 9–10: London T100 Triathlon (ExCeL)
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August 15–16: Formula E London E-Prix (ExCeL)
September
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September 19: Union Jack Classic – College American Football (Wembley Stadium)
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September 25–27: Laver Cup (The O2 Arena)
October
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October: NFL London Games (Wembley Stadium & Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
November
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November 27–29: Rugby Nations Championship Finals (Twickenham)
December
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December 2026 – January 2027: PDC World Darts Championship (Alexandra Palace)
Why 2026 Will Be a Huge Year for London Sport
With global tournaments, championship finals and historic first-time events, 2026 will be one of the busiest and most diverse sporting years London has ever hosted. The events are expected to deliver major economic benefits, boost tourism and further strengthen London’s status as a global sports capital.
Fans planning visits are advised to book travel and accommodation early, as many events are likely to sell out months in advance.
