Victoria to host 2026 Commonwealth Games

It’s official, Victoria will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

It will be a largely regional event based out of four hubs in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland.

The opening ceremony will be held at the MCG, with a decision not yet made on where the closing ceremony will be held.

An athletes village is also expected to be based out of Melbourne.

Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the news on Tuesday morning.

“This is a very important day for our state, particular for regional Victoria,” Mr Andrews said.

“We’ve been in discussions, and exclusive negotiations with Commonwealth Games authorities with a view to very big news for our state.”

Adem Karafili, chair of the Commonwealth games bid, told 3AW Breakfast sporting infrastructure in regional Victoria is ready to go.

“I wouldn’t imagine there’s going to be too many new things built,” he said.

“And if they are, they certainly will have great legacy projects attached to them to make sure they benefit the local community and don’t turn into a white elephant.”

Press PLAY below to hear more about how the Games will look in 2026

Image: iStock by Getty