With 2025 almost behind us, it’s time to get excited about the 2026 sporting calendar, which is shaping up to be an incredible 12 months already.
From the Australian Open to the FIFA World Cup, 2026 looks set to be one of the best years for sport for quite some time.
For Irish sports fans and followers worldwide, 2026 promises a packed calendar brimming with global events. Here is a month-by-month guide to help build anticipation as 2025 comes to a close.
Check out the odds on your favourite sports event at Tonybet.
Sports in January 2026
As the calendar resets, January brings us the Australian Open, which is set to start on 12th and run through to the beginning of February at Melbourne Park. The tournament will feature a full slate of men’s and women’s draws, including doubles and wheelchair events – the perfect way to start the year.
If tennis doesn’t catch your attention, the snooker circuit launches, with the BetVictor Championship League Snooker also taking place at the start of the year. There are also global badminton tournaments in Asia, with both the Malaysia Open and India Open taking centre stage.
It’s also worth noting that the PDC World Darts Championship returns post-Christmas and New Years for the final rounds, which are set to conclude on 3rd January.
There’s plenty of choice for an array of sports fans in January, and it doesn’t slow down in February either.
Sports in February 2026
February, in fact, emerges as one of the more unique months on the calendar. That’s because the 2026 Winter Olympics takes centre stage, set to be hosted in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, between 6th and 22nd. Be sure to keep an eye on those flying the flag for Ireland throughout the month across a range of sports.
Almost at the same time, rugby’s annual showdown begins in the first week of February. That’s right, it’s the return of the Six Nations Championship, where Europe’s finest compete, hoping to be crowned the overall champions.
Sports in March 2026
Come March, the focus starts to shift away from the winter sports, though the Paralympics begins immediately after the Olympics draws to a close for those winter enthusiasts who aren’t quite ready to wave goodbye to their beloved sports.
For horse racing fans, this is always the best time of year. That’s because the greatest show on turf, the Cheltenham Festival, takes place. Irish trainers, jockeys and horses flock to the festival they have dominated for a number of years now, looking to stamp their authority across the four days once again.
Tennis fans can tune in to the 2026 Miami Open, which is scheduled to take place between 15th and 29th March. For motorsport lovers, the Formula 1 returns, starting with the Australian Grand Prix – a race that often delivers plenty of drama.
And for Irish football fans, this is an important month. After their World Cup qualifying heroics, Ireland have a chance to play in the US come the summer. First up, however, they must beat the Czech Republic.
Sports in April 2026
April brings longer days and a warmer climate, where racing fans can shift their attention from the Cheltenham Festival to the nostalgic Grand National.
Golf fans have had to be patient to get their fix, but it’s so often worth the wait by the time the 2026 Masters comes around. The first major of the season is set to take place in Augusta, Georgia between 6th and 12th April.
By now, tennis is in full swing and the return of the clay is always an intriguing point in the season. The BMW Open in Munich and the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell are just two of those events set to host the best players from across the world.
Sports in May 2026
As we approach the halfway mark of the year and the domestic football season begins to draw to a close, this is the point in the season when champions are made.
Not only will the Premier League campaign wrap up, but the Champions League final takes place at the end of the month. Will we witness an English club take the trophy from PSG?
Horse racing doesn’t slow down. After the highs of Cheltenham and the Grand National, we go stateside to witness the Kentucky Derby, a race becoming more and more popular with a UK and Irish audience, with trainers sending superstars across to compete.
Sports in June 2026
June is without doubt the biggest month in the world of sport. That’s because the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes centre stage, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The curtain raiser takes place on 11th June before the most prestigious final in world football is set to take place on 19th July.
And Ireland may still make it. They take on the Czech Republic in March before facing either Denmark or North Macedonia for one of the final spots.
Elsewhere, those engrossed in the world of golf will have the US Open Golf Championship in New York to look forward to, while endurance racing fans have their eyes on the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.
Sports in July 2026
As the summer kicks into full gear, July sees the most iconic tennis tournament in the world: Wimbledon.
This is the longest-running tennis tournament in the world, and it welcomes fans from around the world to witness the best players compete on the grass.
Last year, Jannik Sinner dethroned Carlos Alcarez in an incredible final, with the latter looking for redemption in 2026.
Elsewhere, the world of professional cycling gears up for the Tour de France, which is certain to be another spectacle to behold.
Golf also remains in the spotlight as the Open Championship lands in England at Royal Birkdale.
The winner at Royal Portrush last year was Scottie Scheffler, and it will be interesting to see how the American deals with the narrow fairways at this iconic course.
Sports in August 2026
After the summer surge, the final five months of 2026 continue to deliver eye-catching events.
The spotlight in August lands firmly on the European Athletics Championships, a showcase that brings the continent’s finest sprinters, jumpers and throwers into one arena looking to win a medal – and preferably gold.
The Vuelta a España begins its punishing journey through Spain’s toughest mountain passes, giving cycling one more chance to deliver late-season drama.
Sports in September 2026
One of the highlights of September will be the US Open finals, and for anyone who wants more tennis, there will also be the 2026 Laver Cup in London. Expect top performances and gripping game play for these!
For golf enthusiasts, there will be the Dutch Solheim Cup as well as the Presidents Cup in Chicago to look forward to.
Sports in October 2026
October brings a completely different vibe to the table. Although the blockbuster tournaments may be slightly more spaced out, there is still world-class action on display.
Tennis leans into its late-season push, where ranking points may start to feel a little heavier. The Davis Cup offers an opportunity for players to win another huge tournament and boost their rankings – as well as their earnings.
F1 fans will know that the final few races of the season will define who comes out on top and whether or not Lando Norris can replicate his 2025 success with McClaren.
Sports in November 2026
Football accelerates once again with major international windows and club seasons finding their rhythm. The early stages of the Champions League group stage are back underway, in which Europe’s finest teams compete on the biggest stage of all.
Yet the centre of gravity this month sits indoors, on hard courts, at the ATP Finals. Only the best will earn the right to be there, judged on their year-long consistency. This is one of the best events of the year for tennis bettors.
Elsewhere, this is when winter sports return to the fore. Rugby’s November internationals will deliver heavyweight match-ups and allow fans to catch an early glimpse at squads shaping future World Cup ambitions.
Sports in December 2026
The final month of the year saves room for one more surge of noise. The PDC World Darts Championship returns as Alexandra Palace is transformed into a winter cauldron for the best players from around the globe. This is the event that everyone wants to win – and everyone wants to be at.
And while many competitions begin to wind down, club football heads in the opposite direction, with packed fixtures spread across the festive calendar. Titles aren’t won in December, but they can certainly be lost. Who will be top of the Premier League tree at the end of 2026?
What 2026 will bring for Irish fans and bettors
It’s safe to say that 2025 has more than delivered, but 2026 is ready to serve up even more spectacular events – and there is none more spectacular than the FIFA World Cup.
Four years on, will Lionel Messi be able to win back-to-back trophies with Argentina before bowing out? It’s certainly going to be an incredible event with a record number of teams in attendance – and this could well include Ireland.
Away from the main event, 2026 will be filled with tennis, darts and prestigious golf events, but no doubt the Winter Olympics will gain plenty of traction in the early months of the year.
For someone following sport in Ireland, 2026 looks to be a real gift – a potential chance to witness Ireland at the World Cup but with 12 months packed with quality events away from football. What’s not to love?
And with Tonybet, you can keep up to date with the action every step of the way. Offering competitive odds across all major tournaments, be sure to check out the sportsbook ahead of your favourite events and back your team or player to have a successful 2026 campaign.
