Sports travel is more than watching a match. You feel the crowd, discover a city, try local food, and experience an atmosphere that never comes through on a screen. That makes the best sports events to travel for exciting. In 2026, fans can choose football, tennis, Formula 1, cricket, golf, and multi-sport competitions.
Why Sports Travel Is Worth It in 2026
For many travelers, sports tourism is now part of the vacation itself. The best part of sports travel in 2026 is that the event becomes one part of your holiday. Watch a match, explore the host city, and enjoy local restaurants. There are major sports events in 2026 that fans can build a trip around. The best sports events to travel for are often those where the destination is as enjoyable as the competition.
Best Sports Events to Travel For in 2026
1. FIFA World Cup 2026
- Location: USA, Canada, and Mexico
- Dates: June 11–July 19, 2026
The FIFA World Cup can turn an entire region into a celebration. With 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 host cities, it opens in Mexico City and finishes in New York/New Jersey.
Build trips around New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto, Vancouver, or Mexico City, combining matches with food, sightseeing, and fan zones. Because distances can be large, plan hotels and transport early. Among the best sporting events 2026 has to offer, this is the obvious pick for football fans. For sports coverage while planning or travelling, visit DAZN.
2. Wimbledon 2026
- Location: London, UK
- Dates: June 29–July 12, 2026
Wimbledon is a classic tennis bucket-list experience. The 2026 Championships run from June 29 to July 12 at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
Enjoy the tournament atmosphere, then head into London for museums, restaurants, shopping, or a West End show. It is a great way to travel for sports events without giving up a city break. Follow wider sports coverage on DAZN.
3. Formula 1 Grand Prix
- Location: Monaco, Barcelona, Silverstone, Singapore, and Austin
- Dates: June 5–7, June 12–14, July 3–5, October 9–11, and October 23–25, 2026
Formula 1 combines racing with a memorable destination. Monaco offers glamour, Silverstone offers classic motorsport, Singapore offers night racing, and Austin offers music, food, and Texas culture. Choose a Grand Prix based on both the race and the city. Follow the season through DAZN.
4. ICC Cricket Events
- Location: England
- Dates: June 12–July 5, 2026
Cricket deserves a place, particularly for international fans and travelers from India. The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is being held in England from June 12 to July 5, with 12 teams competing.
Cricket is as much about the crowd as the match. For people planning travel for sports events, cricket works well as a group trip. Check DAZN before your trip for sports viewing options.
5. Commonwealth Games 2026
- Location: Glasgow, Scotland
- Dates: July 23–August 2, 2026
The Commonwealth Games are ideal if you want variety. Glasgow hosts the 2026 edition from July 23 to August 2, with sports including athletics, swimming, cycling, and boxing. Glasgow also offers food, music, and culture, making it an easy base for a Scottish trip. For multi-sport fans, it is one of the best sports events to travel for.
6. Asian Games 2026
- Location: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Dates: September 19–October 4, 2026
The Asian Games offer fans the chance to watch many sports during one trip. The Aichi-Nagoya Games run from September 19 to October 4.
Japan adds outstanding food, efficient transport, and plenty of culture. For Asian travelers, this is one of the best sports events to travel for.
7. US Open Tennis 2026
- Location: New York City, USA
- Dates: August 23–September 13, 2026
The US Open combines top-level tennis with one of the world's most exciting cities. The 2026 event runs from August 23 to September 13, including Fan Week before the main draw.
Watch matches at Flushing Meadows, then explore Central Park, museums, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Official ticketing channels are the safest option when planning your visit.
8. Major Golf Events
- Location: United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland
- Dates: May–September 2026
Golf works particularly well as destination travel. In 2026, fans can look at the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and Ryder Cup. The Open takes place at Royal Birkdale in Southport from July 16–19, while the Ryder Cup is scheduled for September 24–27 at Adare Manor in Ireland. Historic courses, hospitality, and surrounding towns make golf holidays a relaxed way to enjoy major sporting events.
How to Plan a Sports Trip in 2026
Want to plan the sports trip? Here are some tips that help you to make your trip easy
- Book Tickets Early- Major events can sell out quickly. Use official ticketing channels.
- Choose Your Destination Carefully- Compare airports, stadium locations, and public transport.
- Plan Accommodation- Hotel prices can rise, so book early.
- Build a Flexible Itinerary- Leave time for sightseeing.
- Check Travel Requirements- Review passport, visa, entry, and event rules before booking.
- Budget for the Full Trip- Include tickets, flights, hotels, food, transport, and activities.
Best Sports Events for Different Travelers
- Football fans: FIFA World Cup
- Tennis fans: Wimbledon
- Motorsport fans: Formula 1
- Cricket fans: ICC events
- Multi-sport fans: Commonwealth Games
- City-break fans: US Open
- Asian sports fans: Asian Games
Choosing among the best sports events to travel for comes down to your interests. The best sporting events 2026 offers will look different to a football fan, tennis fan, or motorsport follower. These are major sports events 2026 travelers can plan around.
Tips to Save Money on Sports Travel
Planning a trip and want to save money? Follow these tips
- Book flights early: Airfares can increase as the event date gets closer.
- Stay outside the city center: Choose hotels or rentals with easy public transport access.
- Travel with friends: Share accommodation and transportation costs to save money.
- Use official ticket channels: Avoid inflated prices and unreliable sellers.
- Compare event dates: Some sessions or match days may be cheaper than others.
- Use public transportation: Trains, buses, and metros can cost less than taxis.
- Mix paid and free activities: Balance event tickets with free attractions and sightseeing.
- Set a complete budget: Include tickets, flights, hotels, food, local transport, and activities.
- Book early: Planning can help you find better deals for the best sports events to travel for.
Final thoughts
2026 is an excellent year for sports tourism, with major competitions across North America, Europe, and Asia. For anyone choosing the best sports events to travel for, the options are unusually broad. The best sports events to travel for are those that match your favorite sport, budget, and travel style while giving you something exciting beyond the stadium. Whether you choose football, tennis, racing, cricket, or multi-sport action, travel for sports events can turn a regular holiday into a memorable story. Choose the best sports events to travel for, then build the trip around them. For more sports coverage and live action, visit DAZN.
