It's Game on Sydney in 2026

SWIMMING headlines a bumper year for Sydney sports-lovers with an influx of major sporting events hitting the harbour city in 2026.

The Australian Swimming Trials, from 7-13 June, returns to the home of the 2000 Games for the first time in a decade and the blue riband event will also act as the selection trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and 2026 Pan Pacific Championships teams.

Australia’s top and rising stars will then return to Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from 29 September – 2 October for the 2026 Australian Short Course Championships, with the support of the NSW Government, through the NSW Office of Sport.

Other sporting events in Sydney include:

• United Cup at the Ken Rosewell Arena – 3 – 11 January
• Fifth Men’s Ashes Test at the SCG – 4 – 8 January
• T20 Women’s International vs India at the SCG on 15 February
• Sydney Sail Grand Prix on Sydney Harbour from 28 February – 1 March
• AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 – 1 – 21 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
• Game One of the 2026 State of Origin series at Accor Stadium on Wednesday, 27 May
• Water Polo World Cup Finals at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from 21 – 26 July

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.”

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 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.”

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.”