Victoria to host 2026 Commonwealth Games, confirms CGF

The announcement was made via a media release and marks the end of a two-month long dialogue period involving the CGF, Commonwealth Games Australia (CGAus) and the State of Victoria.

The spectacle is being anticipated as an event that will showcase the regional diversity and richness that the State of Victoria has in store. The historic Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the Opening Ceremony. The event will be staged across multiple cities, including Melbourne, Gippsland, Bendigo, Geelong and Ballarat.

CGF President Dame Louise Martin expressed his happiness regarding the announcement and with Victoria's plans for hosting the event.

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“The Commonwealth Games Federation is absolutely delighted to award the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria. Commonwealth Games Australia and the Victorian Government have set out a bold and innovative vision for hosting our major multi-sport event.

In Victoria, we believe we have found the perfect partner for the next stage of our journey. This a very special moment for the Commonwealth Sport Family and on behalf of the entire Movement, I would like to congratulate Commonwealth Games Australia and Victoria on their successful Games submission. We now look forward to a bright future as we work together to stage a Commonwealth Games like no other,” said the CGF President.

The trio of CGF, CGAus and Victoria were in talks about the event since February 2022. Both CGF and CGAus visited Victoria towards the end of the month. The visit was followed by a delegation from Victoria presenting their plans regarding the 2026 Games to the CGF Executive Board in Birmingham, England, in March 2022.

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Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews seemed pretty pleased with Victoria being chosen as the hosts for the 2026 Games.

“It's a great honour to have Victoria chosen as the host venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games – we can't wait to welcome the world to all of our state,” said Andrews.

“Australia has staged the Commonwealth Games on five occasions, with Victoria playing host to the Melbourne 2006 Games; widely considered one of the most successful editions of the event in history. The country has also staged the Games in Sydney in 1938, Perth in 1962, Brisbane in 1982 and most recently Gold Coast in 2018. Victoria has also hosted the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo in 2004,” added Andrews.

CGAus President Ben Houston also echoed Andrews' sentiments and mentioned that the forthcoming event would help Australia showcase an exciting event.

“Commonwealth Games Australia is thrilled to welcome the athletes of the Commonwealth back to Australia and we look forward to working with both the CGF and the Victorian Government to bring the Games to life across Victoria in 2026,” said Houston.

“A home Games will provide immeasurable benefits for our Member sports and will inspire our athletes in what will be a unique and exciting Games,” added Houston.

The 2026 Games will be the 23rd edition of the major multi-sport competition, which first began in Hamilton, Canada in 1930,” mentioned Houston.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games will be organised in Birmingham, England from 28 July – 8 August.