Glasgow poised to host scaled-down 2026 Commonwealth Games after Australia pulls out
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Glasgow is set to be announced as the host city for a scaled-down version of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following the withdrawal of Australia’s Victoria state due to rising costs.
Reports suggest the Scottish city, which successfully hosted the 2014 Games, is close to finalizing an agreement to stage a smaller edition of the multi-sport event, featuring fewer sports and venues.
Victoria had initially been scheduled to host the 2026 Games, but in July 2023, the Australian state withdrew after projected costs significantly escalated. The state later agreed to pay AUD 380 million (USD 256 million) in compensation to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
Following Victoria’s withdrawal, Glasgow offered to step in, and now looks set to host the event, with support from both the Scottish government and the UK government.
According to reports, the Australian government has promised an additional investment of AUD 5 million to assist in covering extra costs such as security.
Glasgow's 2026 proposal will reuse many of the venues from the 2014 Games, keeping the estimated cost between £130 million to £150 million (around USD 170 million). This is a significant reduction from the 2014 budget of £575 million. The number of sports is expected to be cut from the 20 featured in Birmingham 2022 to between 10 and 13, with a focus on core events.
UK Health Secretary Neil Gray emphasized that the 2026 Games would be smaller in scale compared to Glasgow's previous hosting. However, he noted that the collaboration between partners could still deliver a positive outcome for both Glasgow and Scotland.
CGF President Chris Jenkins praised Glasgow's innovative and cost-effective approach, calling it a model for future Commonwealth Games. He stressed the importance of using existing infrastructure and sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of the event. Jenkins added that the 2026 Games would serve as a blueprint for a more flexible and financially responsible version of the Commonwealth Games in the future.
Despite the reduced scale, the event is expected to maintain its reputation for world-class performances, with Glasgow once again at the forefront of international sporting events.