The first half of 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark period for sports fans, with a packed calendar featuring major international competitions. From the Olympic Winter Games to the FIFA World Cup, and several key events in between, the next few months promise a wealth of athletic achievement and compelling competition.
Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026
The kickoff of the Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, marks the centerpiece of the early 2026 sporting schedule. The opening ceremony will be held at Milan’s San Siro Stadium, with the closing ceremony scheduled for at Verona’s Roman Arena. Over 2,900 athletes representing more than 90 countries will compete across 16 sports, vying for medals in 116 events.
This year’s games will introduce a new discipline: Ski mountaineering, also known as “Skimo.” This event challenges athletes to ascend slopes both with and without skis, depending on the gradient, followed by a descent. The Skimo competition will feature individual sprints for both men and women, as well as a mixed relay event involving one male and one female athlete.
Coverage of the Winter Olympics will be available through NBC and Peacock.
Super Bowl LX
Just two days after the Olympic opening ceremony, on , Super Bowl LX will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The matchup will pit the Seattle Seahawks (16-3) against the New England Patriots (17-3), in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX. That previous encounter saw the Patriots secure a 28-24 victory on a last-second interception.
Despite their strong record, the Patriots are considered underdogs, a surprising position given their success. Their relatively easy schedule this season has raised questions about the strength of their victories, even as they continue to defeat top NFL defenses. The Seahawks, have demonstrated dominance in recent weeks, defeating several leading teams and entering the Super Bowl as favorites.
College Baseball Season Begins
For baseball fans, marks the start of the college baseball season, offering a glimpse of emerging talent. The College World Series is scheduled to conclude on in Omaha, Nebraska.
World Baseball Classic
The World Baseball Classic will follow on , with games played in Tokyo, San Juan, Houston, and Miami. The championship game is slated for at LoanDepot Park in Miami. This quadrennial tournament brings together the best players from around the world, representing their countries based on heritage or citizenship.
March Madness
College basketball takes center stage with March Madness, beginning with the First Four games on and . Sixty-four teams will compete in a single-elimination tournament known for its unpredictable upsets and dramatic finishes. The Final Four will be held on at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Major League Baseball Opening Day
Major League Baseball will commence its season on , the earliest scheduled Opening Day in MLB history. A special Opening Night game will feature the New York Yankees against the San Francisco Giants on , followed by a 14-game slate on the 26th.
The Masters Tournament
Golf enthusiasts will turn their attention to the Masters Tournament, beginning on at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. Practice rounds and the Par 3 contest will precede the main tournament, with Rory McIlroy aiming to defend his title.
NHL and NBA Playoffs
As April progresses, the NHL and NBA playoffs will begin, offering high-stakes competition and potential for thrilling series. The NBA and NHL finals are expected to take place in June, broadcast on ABC/ESPN.
FIFA World Cup
The culmination of the first half of the year will be the FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament kicks off on , with the final scheduled for at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This edition of the World Cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, will advance to the knockout stage.
The coming months promise a dynamic and exciting period for sports fans, with a diverse range of events offering something for everyone. From the precision of Olympic competition to the unpredictable drama of March Madness and the global spectacle of the World Cup, the 2026 sports calendar is poised to deliver unforgettable moments.
