Glasgow has once again transformed into one of the world's premier sporting capitals. From July 23 to August 2, 2026, the city is hosting the XXIII Commonwealth Games— a grand international tournament that has brought together over 3000 athletes from 74 countries and territories. Competitors are vying for 215 gold medals across ten sports, with six para-sports fully integrated into the overall program.
This time, the competitions are conveniently located: the main venues are situated within approximately eight miles of each other. Athletics will be held at Scotstoun Stadium, swimming at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, gymnastics at The Arena, while boxing, weightlifting, and 3x3 basketball are concentrated at the SEC complex.
Early Days Already Bring Big Wins
The Games officially opened on July 23, with a ceremony at the Hydro uniting delegations from all 74 countries and territories. The competitions will last for eleven days, concluding on August 2.
One of the standout performers of the early days has been Scottish swimmer Duncan Scott. He won gold in the 200-meter individual medley, setting a Games record of 1 minute 56.38 seconds. For the host nation, this victory was particularly symbolic, as Scott is long considered one of Scotland's most successful athletes in Commonwealth Games history.
In women's swimming, Annabel Davies shone, securing gold in the 100-meter backstroke. She finished with a time of 1:06.07, ahead of South Africa's Aimee Canny and Australia's Sienna Toohey.
Significant attention was also drawn to Adam Peaty. The three-time Olympic champion claimed a bronze medal in the 100-meter breaststroke, finishing behind Australia's Sam Williamson and Jersey's Philip Normans. For Peaty, this medal was an emotional one, as he did not hide his tears after the race.
Major Athletics Program Kicks Off on July 27
On July 27, the athletics and para-athletics competitions commence at Scotstoun Stadium. The morning session begins at 10:00 AM local time, with the evening medal program starting at 6:30 PM. Athletics events will run for six days, until August 1.
The main star for the hosts is expected to be Josh Kerr, the world record holder in the mile run. Alongside him, Scotland will be represented by Jake Wightman, Neil Gourley, Gemma Reekie, Eilish McColgan, and Laura Muir.
In the men's javelin throw, one of the most anticipated duels of the entire tournament is expected: Tokyo Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra will face off against reigning Olympic champion and Commonwealth Games winner Arshad Nadeem from Pakistan.
In the men's 100-meter sprint, favorites include Nigeria's Kainso Olamide Ajayi, who recently equaled the national record with a time of 9.84 seconds, and the current Games champion Ferdinand Omanyala from Kenya. In the women's sprint, particular attention will be on England's Daryl Neita and Imani Lansiquot, as well as Jamaica's Jonielle Smith and Shericka Jackson.
Also expected to compete are Olympic decathlon champion Damian Warner, Olympic hammer throw champion Camryn Rogers, Australian runner Jessica Hull, and Jamaican star Shericka Jackson.
Swimming: A Battle of Champions Until the Final Days
Swimming and para-swimming competitions are taking place at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre. On July 27, the morning session starts at 10:30 AM, with evening finals commencing at 7:07 PM local time.
In addition to Duncan Scott and Adam Peaty, Australian Olympic champions Mollie O'Callaghan, Cameron McEvoy, Zac Stubblety-Cook, Kyle Chalmers, and Lani Pallister are competing in the pool. South Africa's Chad le Clos aims to win another medal and become the sole male record holder for the most medals at the Commonwealth Games. Before the tournament, he had 18 medals.
A separate intrigue lies in the rivalry among British swimmers who competed together at the Olympics but now represent different teams. Matt Richards swims for Wales, James Guy and Tom Dean for England, Jack McMillan for Northern Ireland, and Duncan Scott for Scotland.
Weightlifting: Records and Historic Streaks
On July 27, weightlifting competitions will be held across three sessions: starting at 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 8:00 PM local time. All three sessions include medal ceremonies.
One of the major stories of the early days was Indian lifter Mirabai Chanu, who secured her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Her compatriots Chanambam Rishikanta Singh and Raja Muthupandi added silver medals.
Among the main stars of the remaining program are England's Emily Campbell, the 2022 Games champion and most successful British weightlifter; Canada's Maude Charron, an Olympic champion and winner at Birmingham 2022; as well as Australia's Eileen Cikamatana and New Zealand's David Liti.
Boxing: From July 27 to the Finals
The boxing tournament continues in SEC Hall 5. On July 27, the afternoon session starts at 11:00 AM, and the evening session at 6:00 PM local time.
Among the most recognized participants is India's Olympic medalist and three-time world champion Lovlina Borgohain, competing in the up to 75kg category. For her, the Commonwealth Games are particularly important, as this medal is the one missing from her collection. Alongside her, World Champion Jaismine Lamboria competes for India.
Strong contingents are represented by Australia and Great Britain. Among the favorites are Australia's Emma-Sue Greentree and Tiana Perry, England's Chantelle Reid, as well as current Games champions Michaela Walsh from Northern Ireland and Sophie Eksteen from Wales. For both of the latter two, Glasgow 2026 will be their last Commonwealth Games appearance.
3x3 Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball Competitions
The 3x3 basketball and 3x3 wheelchair basketball tournaments are taking place in SEC Hall 4. On July 27, the first session starts at 11:30 AM, and the evening session at 5:00 PM local time.
Australia has confidently navigated the group stage in both the men's and women's tournaments, winning all their matches and directly advancing to the semi-finals.
In the men's tournament, England is defending its title, with Jamell Anderson remaining one of the key players. The England women's team features Shanice Beckford-Norton and Sheridin Green, who won silver four years ago.
In wheelchair basketball, Kaitlyn Dunford and Eloise Tessier are once again playing for Canada, having helped the team win the 2022 Games. Scotland is led by Robyn Love, and among the home team's most notable male players is Finley Erskine. Australia defends its title under the leadership of Tom O'Neill-Thorn.
Netball, Gymnastics, Bowls, and Judo
The netball tournament runs from July 25 to August 2. Among the key group stage matches are clashes between Australia and England, the winners of the previous two Games, as well as a rematch of the Birmingham 2022 semi-final between New Zealand and Jamaica. Stars to watch include Grace Nweke, Mary Cholhok, Kiera Austin, Funmi Fadoju, and Shanice Beckford.
In artistic gymnastics, Scotland's Ruben Ward has already distinguished himself by winning the individual all-around. The tournament also features Olympic pommel horse champion Rhys McClenaghan, Canada's Ellie Black, Australia's Georgia Godwin, and Welsh gymnast Ruby Evans.
In lawn bowls, the hosts' attention is focused on the legendary duo of Alex Marshall and Paul Foster, while in para-bowls, attention is on Birmingham 2022 champion Pauline Wilson.
Judo competitions will take place in the latter part of the program. Scotland's Sarah Adlington is aiming to become the first three-time Games champion in judo. Among her rivals and other favorites are Emma Reid, Jamal Petgrave, and Australia's Aoife Coughlan.
Key Dates for the Remaining Program
July 27 — Start of athletics and further finals in swimming, weightlifting, and gymnastics.
July 28–31 — Main qualifications and finals in athletics, boxing, swimming, and team disciplines.
August 1 — Final day of athletics and one of the most packed medal days.
August 2 — Finals of netball and other team tournaments, followed by the closing ceremony. The official schedule may be adjusted by the organizers.
The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are not just a battle for supremacy in the medal table between Australia, England, Canada, India, New Zealand, and the hosts. It is a tournament where Olympic champions, young debutants, and para-athletes compete side-by-side.
This is precisely why every day here brings a new story: a record broken, an unexpected defeat of a favorite, the first medal for a small country, or the final appearance of a sporting legend.
