What Is Going to Happen in 2026?

Last updated: January 1, 2026

2026 is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal years of the decade. From world-class sporting events to major political elections, groundbreaking technologies, and shifts in culture and lifestyle, the year promises to bring milestones that will define the late 2020s. Whether you’re a sports fan, a tech enthusiast, a student, or simply someone planning for the future, knowing what’s ahead helps you stay informed and prepared.

This guide provides a detailed look at what is going to happen in 2026 across sports, politics, technology, entertainment, business, and education.

Table of Contents

What’s Changed So Far in 2026

What Has Already Changed in 2026 (Updated January 2026)

As 2026 officially begins, several key developments are already underway that are shaping the year ahead. From economic outlooks released by major institutions to confirmed global events and technology rollouts, the early days of 2026 are setting the tone for what’s to come.

This guide will be updated throughout the year as new developments occur.

1. Major Global Events in 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be historic. For the first time, it will be hosted across three countries the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will also expand from 32 to 48 teams, making it the largest World Cup in history.

Key U.S. host cities include Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Dallas.
Canada will host in Toronto and Vancouver.
Mexico will feature Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

The World Cup will not only dominate sports headlines but also bring massive tourism, infrastructure investments, and cultural celebrations.

👉 Related: FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule

Winter Olympics 2026 – Milan-Cortina

From February 6 to February 22, 2026, Italy will host the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Expect world-class skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, and a strong Italian showcase of culture and hospitality.

The event is projected to draw millions of visitors and billions in global TV viewership.

Global Summits and Anniversaries

United Nations turns 81: Discussions will likely focus on climate change, AI regulation, and peacekeeping.
G20 Summit and COP Climate Conference 2026: These will spotlight the global economy, renewable energy, and international cooperation.

2. Politics and Elections in 2026

Elections in 2026 will shape the political landscape heading into the late decade.

United States → Midterm elections will determine control of Congress, setting the stage for the 2028 Presidential race. Youth voters are expected to play a crucial role.
European Union → Voters will elect a new European Parliament. Shifts in energy, trade, and security policy may follow.
Other key elections → Countries like India, Brazil, and Canada are scheduled for significant votes that may influence global trade and diplomacy.

3. Technology and Innovation in 2026

2026 will be a breakthrough year for technology, where today’s emerging trends become mainstream.

6G networks → The first large-scale rollouts are expected in the U.S., South Korea, and parts of Europe.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) → From personalized education platforms to AI doctors assisting hospitals, AI integration will move from experimental to everyday.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) → In Tier 1 markets, EV sales could surpass gas-powered cars. Charging networks will expand dramatically.
Space Exploration → NASA’s Artemis program may advance lunar bases, while SpaceX continues testing Mars transport. China is expected to expand its Tiangong space station.
Consumer Gadgets → Wearables, AR glasses, and smart homes powered by AI assistants will see mass adoption.

4. Sports in 2026

Sports lovers have plenty to anticipate:

Super Bowl 2026 → Hosted in Santa Clara, California (Levi’s Stadium). Expect a spectacular halftime show and global coverage.

FIFA World Cup 2026 → The biggest football (soccer) tournament in history.
Olympics 2026 → Italy’s Winter Games will showcase new talent and winter sports.
Other championships → NBA Finals, UEFA Champions League, and cricket tournaments will add to the excitement.

5. Entertainment and Culture in 2026

Entertainment will continue to evolve, with 2026 being a year of blockbusters and streaming wars.

Movies → Expect major releases from Marvel, DC, Avatar sequels, and Netflix originals.
Streaming → Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ will integrate AI-driven personalized content.
Music & Awards → Grammy and Oscar seasons will highlight AI-assisted productions and global collaborations.
Cultural Shifts → Gen Z will dominate consumer culture, influencing fashion, gaming, and lifestyle trends.

6. Economy and Business in 2026

2026 will bring both challenges and opportunities:

Green Economy → Renewable energy and climate-focused startups will boom as governments tighten carbon regulations.
Future of Work → Remote work and freelancing will continue growing, supported by AI productivity tools.

Cryptocurrency & CBDCs → More nations are expected to launch Central Bank Digital Currencies.
Global Trade → Automation and geopolitics will reshape supply chains.

7. Education and Exams in 2026

The education landscape will see massive changes:

Digital SAT 2026 → The SAT will be fully online, adaptive, and shorter than before.

👉 Related: Digital SAT Tips for 2026

Graduate Exams → GRE, GMAT, and LSAT will rely more on AI-based testing.
University Learning → Hybrid campuses, virtual reality classrooms, and AI tutors will become standard.

8. Lifestyle, Health & Society in 2026

Wearable Health Tech → Smartwatches, sleep monitors, and air-quality trackers will become healthcare essentials.
Longevity Science → Advances in genetics and nutrition will bring new solutions for healthier, longer lives.
Smart Cities → 5G/6G-powered cities will improve transportation, security, and sustainability.
Society → Generational shifts (Millennials in leadership, Gen Z as workforce majority) will redefine culture and politics.

Key U.S. Federal Holidays (2026)

Holiday	Date (2026)	Observed In	Significance
New Year’s Day	January 1 (Thursday)	United States	Marks the beginning of the calendar year
Martin Luther King Jr. Day	January 19 (Monday)	United States	Honors the civil rights leader’s legacy
Presidents’ Day	February 16 (Monday)	United States	Recognizes U.S. presidents, especially Washington and Lincoln
Memorial Day	May 25 (Monday)	United States	Honors U.S. military personnel who died in service
Juneteenth National Independence Day	June 19 (Friday)	United States	Commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.
Independence Day	July 4 (Saturday)	United States	Celebrates U.S. independence
Labor Day	September 7 (Monday)	United States	Honors American workers
Columbus Day	October 12 (Monday)	United States	Marks Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas
Veterans Day	November 11 (Wednesday)	United States	Honors U.S. military veterans
Thanksgiving Day	November 26 (Thursday)	United States	Day of thanks and family gatherings
Christmas Day	December 25 (Friday)	United States	Christian holiday celebrating

What are the biggest events happening in 2026?

The biggest global events include the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Winter Olympics in Italy, major elections, and advancements in AI and technology.

Will 2026 be an important year for the global economy

Yes. Economic forecasts suggest 2026 will be a transition year influenced by AI adoption, green energy investments, and geopolitical developments.

Why is 2026 considered a pivotal year?

2026 marks major sporting events, political shifts, and technological milestones that may shape the rest of the decade.

Conclusion

So, what’s going to happen in 2026? The answer is: a lot. From the FIFA World Cup to the Winter Olympics, from breakthroughs in AI and space exploration to critical elections and cultural milestones, 2026 will mark a turning point in global history.

At TheYear2026.com, we’ll continue tracking every major event, trend, and development so you can stay ahead of the curve. Bookmark us, and let’s step into the future together.