The sporting calendar remains packed with noteworthy events as we head deeper into 2026.
Heading into the new year, there was no doubt that most eyes were on the FIFA World Cup — now featuring an expanded 48-team playing field, and three host countries in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. And when the festivities unfolded, this year’s World Cup lived up to the hype both on and off the pitch.
Although the World Cup has come to a close, a number of notable sporting events are still taking place this year. Here’s five of them.
Asian Games
Taking place in Japan’s Aichi prefecture, the 20th Asian Games will once again see the continent’s top athletes compete for national glory. Forty-one sports will be featured in this year’s Asiad — from Olympic sports, traditional Asian disciplines, and even esports.
Any bets on which heavy hitters we will see this year?
2026 Formula 1 World Championship
The 2026 Formula 1 season continues to heat up, and as of writing, we are now in the midst of the European leg. Still to follow will be the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the MADRING Circuit, the famed Singapore Grand Prix, and a stretch that takes drivers across Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Interlagos, and the Las Vegas Street Circuit. It remains to be seen, however, if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will still push through.
So far, Mercedes has looked dominant with Italian hotshot Kimi Antonelli, and currently lead both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ title race. Still in hot pursuit, though, is the Ferrari tandem of Charles Leclerc and the resurgent Lewis Hamilton.
As F1 attracts more and more audiences, there’s still more than enough time to catch up with the current season.
2026-27 NBA Regular Season
So far, the NBA offseason has been an interesting one. Giannis Antetokounmpo is set for a fresh start with Miami, along with LaMelo Ball being shipped to the Minnesota Timberwolves. LeBron James has parted ways with the Lakers, and is set to play for a new team. A promising rookie class led by AJ Dybantsa are also set for their NBA debuts.
This, and many more storylines will be answered when the NBA returns this October.
Club Football: Premier League, La Liga, and More
Those having a FIFA World Cup hangover should be excited for this one. By August, club football will be in full blast once again, including Europe’s “Big 5” of the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1.
Accompanying this will be the UEFA Champions League, where Paris Saint-Germain seek to complete a rare UCL three-peat.
2026 US Open
Another Grand Slam season comes to a close with the 2026 US Open, taking place from August 24 to September 13 at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in New York. For the Filipino fans, a major storyline to follow here would be another possible run from Alex Eala. In her debut last year, Eala turned the tables against Clara Tauson, becoming the first Filipino player to win in a Grand Slam event in the Open Era.
Banner images from Wimbledon on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 20th Asian Games are held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026. The quadrennial multisport competition features 41 sports, where top athletes across the continent, including a full delegation from the Philippines, compete for podium honors.
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala competes in the 2026 US Open main draw from August 30 to September 13 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. Eala enters the final Grand Slam of the season seeking to build upon her historic Wimbledon campaign.
Mercedes leads both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings in the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, driven by rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli. Ferrari remains in pursuit with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton as the season moves through its European and American legs toward the season finale.
The 2026-27 NBA regular season tips off in October 2026. Key storylines include Giannis Antetokounmpo’s fresh start with the Miami Heat, LaMelo Ball joining the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron James debuting on a new roster, and a high-profile rookie class headlined by AJ Dybantsa.
Domestic European club football leagues return in August 2026, featuring the “Big 5” competitions—the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1. Simultaneously, the UEFA Champions League resumes as Paris Saint-Germain targets a rare three-peat continental title run.
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