Courtesy NSW Office of Sport
2026 is set to be a Sydney sports-lover’s dream with an influx of major sporting events to hit the Harbour city.
Beginning on 3 January with the United Cup at Ken Rosewell Arena, Sydney will host 11 major national and international sporting events, including the Fifth Men’s Ashes Test at the SCG from 4 – 8 January and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 from 1 – 21 March.
Western Sydney sports fans will be the biggest beneficiaries of the packed sporting calendar with eight events to be held at Sydney Olympic Park, including Game One of the 2026 State of Origin series at Accor Stadium on Wednesday, 27 May.
Other events include:
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T20 Women’s International vs India at the SCG on 15 February
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Sail GP – Sydney Sail Grand Prix on Sydney Harbour from 28 February – 1 March
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Australian Athletics Championships Sydney at Olympic Park Athletic Centre from 9 – 12 April
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2026 Australian Artistic Swimming Championships & Oceania Open Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from 15 – 19 April
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Australian Swimming Trials at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from 7 – 13 June
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Water Polo World Cup Finals at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from 21 – 26 July
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Australian Short Course (swimming) Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from 29 September – 2 October
Deputy Secretary of the NSW Office of Sport Adam Berry said: “NSW has a strong track record of hosting the world’s biggest sporting events.
“While they provide an exciting spectacle for sports fans, their role in supporting the future growth of sport in the State is just as important.
“NSW Government investment in major sporting events creates economic, health and social outcomes, but just as importantly, they leave a legacy that supports the next generation of sporting talent on the national and international stage.
“With 11 major national and international sporting events in Sydney in 2026, there’s something for all sports fans, so keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale, because it’s Game on Sydney in 2026.”
Australian Men’s Water Polo Captain Nathan Power said: “It will be exciting to play at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, the venue that hosted the Sydney 2000 Games.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the top water polo nations to Sydney for the World Aquatics World Cup Finals in July 2026.
“Being able to play in front of family, friends and a home crowd is something we don’t often get to experience, so to have this opportunity is one that means a lot to us and our community.
“It will be a rare opportunity for sports fans to see high calibre of water polo in Australia and we hope fans come out to support.”
