A Year of Big Moments: What 2026 Holds for Sports, Space, and the U. S.

Sports Galore

Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Italy

• Dates: February 6 to 22 (Olympics), March 6 to 14 (Paralympics)
• Locations: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo
• Highlights:
• Star-studded opening ceremony featuring Mariah Carey and Pierfrancesco Favino
• Team USA brings back gold medalists Jessie Diggins and Chloe Kim
• Paralympics showcasing six different sports

NASA's Artemis II Mission

• Dates: Between February and April
• Details:
• First crewed flight of the Artemis program in over 50 years
• Four astronauts on a journey around the moon
• Success could pave the way for future moon landings and Mars trips

FIFA World Cup

• Dates: June 11 to July 19
• Locations: U.S., Canada, and Mexico
• Highlights:
• Record 48 teams competing
• Opening match in Mexico City
• Finale in New Jersey
• Teams like Argentina, Brazil, U.S., Cape Verde, and Uzbekistan

U.S. Celebrates 250th Birthday

• Events:
• Float in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day
• "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall
• Independence Day celebration with military flyover, presidential address, and fireworks

Political Midterm Elections

• Highlights:
• Determine control of Congress and key governor’s races
• Republicans defending narrow House majority
• Democrats need four seats in the Senate
• Important races in Georgia, Nevada, and Michigan