All at Team Scotland send their congratulations to Commonwealth Games Australia and the State of Victoria, after confirmation from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) that the first ever predominantly regional Commonwealth Games will be hosted across the State in 2026.

Victoria 2026 will be staged in March 2026 across multiple cities and regional hubs including Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland. The Opening Ceremony will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of the venues when Melbourne played host to the 2006 Games.

Paul Bush, OBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland said:

“Many congratulations to Commonwealth Games Australia and Victoria on being awarded the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Australia has a strong track record in providing a great atmosphere for athletes, officials, volunteers, and spectators across five previous Games. Twenty years on from the hugely successful Melbourne 2006 Games, we are sure the state of Victoria will make a fabulous host once again in this new Games hosting model.

“Team Scotland has performed strongly at Commonwealth Games held on Australian soil, with record overseas medal tallies set at Perth 1962, Brisbane 1982, Melbourne 2006 and, most recently, Gold Coast 2018. We welcome the opportunity for our athletes to strive for more success ‘Down Under’ in four years’ time.

“We look forward to working closely with our colleagues at Commonwealth Games Australia, the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Victoria 2026 Organising Committee to get behind the Games.”

The first 16 sports on the programme have also been confirmed, with further sports to be added later this year.

Read more on the CGF website here: CGF confirm Victoria, Australia as host of 2026 Commonwealth Games | Commonwealth Games Federation (thecgf.com)