Your guide to every day of the Commonwealth Games in Australian time

The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow kick off on July 23, marking the beginning of a 10-day athletic spectacle that will feature 10 sports spread across 10 days of competition. All schedules are presented in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), reflecting the local time zone for Australian spectators. The event, originally planned to be hosted in Victoria, Australia, faced numerous challenges leading to its relocation to Glasgow, Scotland. Despite this shift, the Games will proceed with a streamlined lineup of sports, focusing on existing venues within a 13-kilometre corridor along the River Clyde. On Day 0, July 23–24, the first event is an additional session of bowls and para bowls, scheduled from 6:30 pm to 1:25 am AEST. This addition came in response to “unprecedented demand” from fans. The opening ceremony, set for 5 am AEST on July 24, will take place at The Hydro, part of the Scottish Event Campus, which will also host netball events. The ceremony will include performances by KT Tunstall, Tom Walker, Nina Nesbitt, Valtos, Callum Beattie, Nathan Evans, and Saint Phnx, alongside over 600 volunteers. Day 1, July 24–25, begins with the first full day of competition, featuring the awarding of the first medals in para powerlifting. Swimmer Lani Pallister is a favorite in the 400m freestyle, while 14-year-old Mia Hogan competes in the S13 100m freestyle. The day includes multiple events such as 3x3 basketball, artistic gymnastics, boxing, and swimming. Notably, the Australian women’s team has claimed gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay at every Commonwealth Games since 1998, while the men have secured victory in the last four editions. Day 2, July 25–26, sees Australia begin its netball gold medal defense against Tonga, led by Hulita Veve. Gymnast Georgia Godwin, returning from a torn Achilles tendon, joins a team including Emily Whitehead, Kate McDonald, and Breanna Scott, with 19-year-old Paris Olympian Ruby Pass as the sole new member. Sam Short starts his busy schedule with events in the 200m, 400m, 800m, and other distances. The journey to Glasgow 2026 was marked by several changes. Initially, the Games were intended to be hosted in Victoria, with cities like Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and Gippsland vying for the honor. Premier Daniel Andrews championed the move, highlighting economic benefits. However, rising costs and logistical issues led to the withdrawal of Victoria as host, resulting in a financial settlement of $380 million to the Commonwealth Games Federation. Ultimately, Glasgow took over, with some $200 million coming from Victorian taxpayers. Due to the shortened planning period, the number of sports was reduced significantly, from over 20 to just 10, focusing on core disciplines. Events will be held primarily at existing venues in Glasgow, with The Hydro hosting netball and the opening ceremony. The Tollcross International Swimming Centre and Scotstoun Stadium will accommodate swimming and athletics, respectively. The Glasgow International Arena will serve dual purposes, hosting track cycling and other events. With the Games set to conclude on August 2, the focus remains on delivering a compact yet competitive event, showcasing talent and resilience amid the challenges faced during its planning phase.