A comprehensive guide outlines the key global and local sporting fixtures for 2026, highlighting major tournaments in cricket, rugby, soccer, and more. South African fans can look forward to home series and international showdowns. The calendar spans from the Australian Open in January to the Formula 1 finale in December.
The 2026 sporting year kicks off strongly in January with the Australian Open tennis tournament beginning on the 12th, followed by the Africa Cup of Nations soccer final on the 18th. Cricket enthusiasts will enjoy the SA20 league final at Newlands in Cape Town on the 25th and the Proteas' T20 series against West Indies from the 27th to 31st. Netball sees the Spar Proteas facing England in a test series starting on the 29th.
February brings the Six Nations rugby championship's opening round from the 5th to 7th, alongside the Winter Olympic Games running from the 6th to 22nd. The ICC Men's T20 World Cup starts on the 7th in India and Sri Lanka, while the Australian Open concludes with finals on the 1st.
March features the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix from the 6th to 8th, the Six Nations finale on the 14th, and the Winter Paralympic Games from the 6th to 15th. The T20 World Cup wraps up on the 8th, and LIV Golf takes place at Steyn City in Johannesburg from the 19th to 22nd.
April and May highlight golf's Masters at Augusta from the 6th to 12th, marathons in Boston and London, and the French Open tennis starting on the 18th. Soccer's major club finals, including the UEFA Champions League on the 30th, punctuate the schedule.
Later months include the FIFA World Cup starting on the 11th in the US, Mexico, and Canada; the ICC Women's T20 World Cup from the 12th in England and Wales; Wimbledon from the 29th; and the Tour de France on the 4th. August sees the US Open tennis from the 30th and the FIH Hockey World Cup from the 15th to 30th. Rugby highlights feature the Greatest Rivalry tour against New Zealand starting on the 22nd and Black Ferns versus Springbok Women on the 5th of September at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
October and November host marathons, gymnastics worlds, tennis finals in Riyadh and Turin, and the Nations Championship finals from the 27th to 29th at Twickenham. The year ends with the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from the 4th to 6th of December.
This schedule, subject to changes, offers a packed year for sports lovers worldwide.
