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:
- T20 Women's International vs India at the SCG on 15 February
- Sail GP – Sydney Sail Grand Prix on Sydney Harbour from 28 February - 1 March
- Australian Athletics Championships Sydney at Olympic Park Athletic Centre from 9 - 12 April
- 2026 Australian Artistic Swimming Championships & Oceania Open Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from 15 - 19 April
- Australian Swimming Trials at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from 7 - 13 June
- Water Polo World Cup Finals at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from 21 - 26 July
- 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 Women's Test, One-Day and T20 cricketer Lauren Cheatle said:
"It is always a privilege to play at the SCG and I know the Australian women's team can't wait to get out there on February 15 for the T20I against India.
"There's so much cricket to look forward to in Sydney in 2026, with the fifth men's Ashes Test, BBL, WBBL and more. We love the support we get from fans across the city."
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."
Rob Woodhouse, CEO Swimming Australia said:
"It's game on Sydney! The Australian Swimming Trials – the premier domestic meet on the Australian swimming calendar - will return to the 'Pool of Dreams' - Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre in 2026.
"This critical meet will determine the Dolphins selected to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships, and the 2026 Para Pan Pacific Championships.
"And then NSW swimming fans will also be treated to the 2026 Australian Short Course Championships from September 29 - October 2 – swimming, in Sydney in the spring, will be a hot finish to our domestic calendar."
Coach and Organising Committee member for the 2026 Australian Artistic Swimming Championships and Oceania Open Championships Erica Li said:
"Bringing the Australian Artistic Swimming National and Oceania Open Championships back to Sydney for the first time since 2019 is incredibly special for our sport.
"Sydney Olympic Park has a proud history of producing world-class athletes, and returning here in 2026 gives our current and emerging swimmers the chance to compete on a world-class stage.
"These championships are about more than medals — they're about inspiring the next generation and identifying future champions who could represent Australia on the road to Brisbane 2032.
"Being part of this moment, in a city that lives and breathes sport, is something our athletes, coaches and fans are truly excited about."
