Australia's most sports-loving state, Victoria, has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with some of the state's regions set to shine on the world's stage.

Victoria 2026 will be held across multiple regions, creating a new multi-city model for the Commonwealth Games. Four regional hubs will be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with its own athletes' village and sports program. The hubs will also host athletes, officials and fans following an Opening Ceremony at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, using Melbourne as the gateway to regional Victoria.

President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, 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 that provides an exciting new blueprint for hosting our major multi-sport event.”

Shepparton, in northern Victoria, will also host sporting and cultural events as part of Victoria 2026. There will also be a strong para-sports programme, with six sports already locked in.

Further work is being done with the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia to determine if additional sports will be included in the Victoria 2026 programme, which may open opportunities for other locations to host events.

Victoria 2026 will also invest significantly in community infrastructure, including housing and world-class sports facilities. This will leave a legacy of affordable housing for the regions and modern sports infrastructure to encourage Victorians to get active and attract future major events.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakul, said: “Hosting the Commonwealth Games in four years' time will deliver major benefits, particularly the regions, and leave a lasting legacy for the growth and development of sport throughout Victoria.”

Beyond the field of play, Victoria 2026 will feature a programme of cultural and business engagement experiences that bring to life the Commonwealth Games values of humanity, equality and destiny – and embracing the state's diversity and rich cultural history.

A Victoria-wide programme of live sites and activations will ensure visitors are welcomed in every corner of the state, with the Queen's Baton Relay to traverse the regions in the weeks leading up to the Opening Ceremony.

It is estimated the 2026 Commonwealth Games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria's economy, creating more than 600 full-time equivalent jobs before the Games, 3,900 jobs during the Games and a further 3,000 jobs beyond the Closing Ceremony.

For more information on Victoria 2026, please visit: www.vic.gov.au/victoria2026

For information on Melbourne and Victoria, please visit: www.visitmelbourne.com/uk