Glasgow 2026: Sports, stars, schedule and how to watch the Commonwealth Games in NZ
Thursday, 23 July 2026
The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will look fundamentally different from previous editions, operating on a scaled-down model with just 10 sports hosted across four venue hubs. From axed team sports like rugby sevens and cricket to New Zealand’s primary medal contenders and live TV coverage, here is what Kiwi fans need to know about the streamlined event.
Why are these Games different?
The biggest talking point is that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be a much smaller event than previous editions. After original host Victoria, Australia, withdrew, Glasgow stepped in with a cheaper model focused on using existing venues rather than building new facilities. As a result, just 10 sports will feature — a major reduction from previous Games.
The sports programme: what’s in and what’s out
The Commonwealth Games sports programme has been significantly reduced, with 10 sports featuring across the event. The lineup includes athletics and para athletics, swimming and para swimming, track cycling and para cycling, artistic gymnastics, netball, boxing, judo, bowls, weightlifting and para powerlifting, as well as 3x3 basketball and wheelchair 3x3 basketball. However, several sports that have been prominent at previous Games — including triathlon, hockey, rugby sevens and road cycling — have been left off the programme.
The schedule
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games run from July 23 to August 3 (NZT). For the full New Zealand schedule, including event times and medal sessions, click here.
The venues
All competition will be staged across four venue hubs within a 12km corridor in Glasgow, with Scotstoun Stadium hosting athletics, Tollcross International Swimming Centre swimming, the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome cycling and gymnastics, and the Scottish Event Campus the home for boxing, bowls, judo, netball, basketball and weightlifting.
The history
New Zealand is one of only six nations to have competed at every Commonwealth Games since the inaugural 1930 edition, having hosted the event three times and produced its most successful campaign at Birmingham 2022 with a record 20 gold medals among 50 medals in total.
What are New Zealand’s medal chances?
With a reduced programme and fewer medals on offer, New Zealand's best hopes lie on the athletics track and in the cycling velodrome. Track cyclist Ellesse Andrews leads the charge after winning three golds in 2022, while world champions Hamish Kerr and Geordie Beamish, along with defending shot put champion Tom Walsh, bolster the athletics team. Weightlifter David Liti is chasing a third straight Commonwealth medal after gold in 2018 and silver in 2022, while swimmer Lewis Clareburt returns as a two-time champion. Aaron Gate, who won a record four gold medals in Birmingham, will not defend his titles as he focuses on the Tour de France. New Zealand has 112 athletes competing in Glasgow.
The international stars
Josh Kerr will be the face of the Games, with the Scottish-born middle distance runner arriving in Glasgow as one of athletics’ biggest stars after shattering the mile world record. South Africa’s Chad le Clos is one medal away from becoming the most decorated male athlete in Commonwealth Games history. Jamaican sprint star Shericka Jackson, a five-time world champion and Olympic relay gold medallist, headlines the women’s sprints alongside home favourites Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita. Northern Ireland’s Rhys McClenaghan will look to extend his dominance on the pommel horse as the Olympic and world champion targets another Commonwealth title.
How to watch and follow in New Zealand
New Zealanders can watch the Glasgow Commonwealth Games live and on demand via Sky Sport, Sky Sport Now and Sky Go, with free-to-air coverage available on Three and ThreeNow.
Stuff will have daily news coverage including live blogs of key New Zealand events.