The Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games dates are locked in and a process is open for additional sports to be added to the program.
The Commonwealth Games will be held between 17-29 March 2026, beginning with the Opening Ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground where athletes and visitors from around Australia and the world will gather to celebrate the start of the Games.
The Opening Ceremony will be followed by 12 days of competition between the Commonwealth’s best athletes across regional Victoria, allowing our regions to shine on the world stage.
The Andrews Labor Government will work with the education sector in relation to the school term dates that year to ensure the participation of as many Victorians in the Games as possible.
An expressions of interest process for additional sports to be included in the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games has commenced and will involve submissions from international sporting federations with support from recognised or affiliated Australian organisations. The period for consideration will close on 19 August.
In a Commonwealth Games first, Victoria 2026 will introduce a multi-city model that delivers global sport to four regional hubs in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland. Each of those hubs will have its own athletes’ village and host a range of sports that will create a legacy for Victoria that extends well beyond the competition period.
International Federations wanting to express an interest in participating in Victoria 2026 should contact Victoria2026Sports@sport.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery Jacinta Allan
“We’ve locked in the dates for the Commonwealth’s finest athletes to compete for gold in regional Victoria at the 2026 Games.’’
“We’re getting on with delivering this global sporting event and including more sports will draw more of the Commonwealth’s finest athletes to our own backyard to inspire Victorians.’’
Quote attributable to Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy Shaun Leane
“It’s great to have the date locked – and now the hard work begins, as we work with local communities to ensure they get a life long benefit out of this terrific event.”
Quote attributable to Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin
“We are delighted to see the dates confirmed for Victoria 2026 so that athletes, sports and fans start to prepare for a spectacular sporting competition.”
Quote attributable to Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston
“Commonwealth Games Australia is excited about welcoming the athletes of the Commonwealth to Victoria during the second half of March 2026. This time of year traditionally sees Victoria’s climate at its best and conducive to top sporting performances.”