Commonwealth Games 2026: where will the next games be held, when are they - and how often do they take place?

The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham have been a resounding success, with the region being given the opportunity to showcase itself.

Athletes and representatives from across the world have descended on the region, and we’re already nearing the end of the games.

As Birmingham 2022 draws to a close, attention for some may be turning towards the next Commonwealth Games, despite them being several years away still.

Here’s what we know so far about the 2026 Commonwealth Games, including which city they will be held in and when they were announced as hosts.

When do the 2022 Commonwealth Games end?

11 days of sport in Birmingham and the surrounding West Midlands region draw to a close with the closing ceremony of the games.

This is due to start at 8pm on Monday, 8 August at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.

How often are the Commonwealth Games? `

The Commonwealth Games, similar to other global sporting events such as the Olympics, takes place every four years.

The dates of the Commonwealth Games fall on the same year as the FIFA Men’s World Cup, which this year takes place in the winter in Qatar.

The last Commonwealth Games took place in 2018 in Gold Coast, the same year as the FIFA Men’s World Cup in Russia.

Where will the 2026 Commonwealth Games take place?

The next edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place in Australia for the sixth time in the 92 year history of the Games.

Victoria will host the first ever predominantly regional Commonwealth Games.

Victoria 2026 will be staged in March 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. The approach will showcase the best of what the State has to offer and ensure a uniquely Victorian experience for the athletes and spectators.

There will be a phased approach in creating the sports programme for Victoria 2026. An initial 16 sports have been put forward for the Games, with further sports to be added later this year.

CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: “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 is 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.”

Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said: “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.”

“The Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria is great for jobs, hospitality and our economy.”

He added: “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."