BAKU SPORT AGENDA 2026

This year will be a landmark one for the capital of Azerbaijan, with a number of significant sporting events being hosted. The Association of European Capitals and Cities of Sport has selected Baku as the World Capital of Sport for 2026. The city's contribution to public health, its modern sports infrastructure, and its active promotion of sport have been especially highlighted. Consequently, Baku will play host to international competitions across a wide range of sporting disciplines throughout the year.

In 2026, the capital will play host to the World and European Championships, as well as stages of World Cups in a variety of sports. Please find below an overview of the major international sporting events scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan in 2026, according to Region Plus.

Gymnastics

As in previous years, gymnastics enthusiasts will be able to follow competitions at the National Gymnastics Arena (NGA). Please note that the Trampoline Gymnastics World Cup will take place there on 21–22 February, followed by the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup from 5–8 March and the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup from 17–19 April. The AGF Trophy international rhythmic gymnastics tournament is scheduled to take place from April 3–5. From 30 April to 3 May, Baku will play host to the European Cup in Rhythmic Gymnastics.

From 5-7 June, the NGA will be hosting the FIG Acrobatic Gymnastics World Cup. The three-day competition promises to provide spectators with unforgettable moments. On June 27–28, the same venue will play host to the 4th International "Gymnastics for All" Challenge Festival.

Sports summit

From May 24–28, Baku will host SportAccord—the World Sport and Business Summit, one of the most authoritative international platforms for discussions on sports policy. Founded in 2003, SportAccord brings together more than 120 international federations representing Olympic and non-Olympic sports, the International Olympic Committee, and other influential sports organisations.

The summit’s main objectives are to support the global development of sport, strengthen cooperation between sports organisations, and promote the social, economic and cultural values of sport. The summit will be held at the Baku Congress Centre, with the opening and closing ceremonies taking place at the Heydar Aliyev Centre.

Cycling, billiards and basketball

From 10–14 May, the multi-stage cycling race Baku–Khankendi is scheduled to take place. The route will pass through Baku, Sumgayit, Shamakhi, Ismayilli, Gabala, Oghuz, Sheki, Mingachevir, Ganja, Göygöl, Goranboy, Aghdere (the villages of Sugovushan and Talish), Naftalan, Tartar, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Shusha and Khankendi.

From 8–12 July, Baku will play host to the European Championship in Free Pyramid billiards for both men and women. The tournament will feature some of Europe's most accomplished players, ensuring a high level of competition, professionalism and sporting integrity. The tournament is included in the official calendar of the European Pyramid Confederation.

On 2 March, the Azerbaijan national basketball team will play North Macedonia in a qualification match at the Baku Sports Palace. The upcoming match against a formidable opponent is set to be a significant event for supporters, and the Azerbaijani team is steadfast in its commitment to securing a home victory.

Additionally, on 17 March, the Azerbaijan women's national team will be hosting Ukraine at the Serhedchi Sports Centre, in the preliminary qualification round of the European Championship (EuroBasket 2027). The team will be competing for victory in the group match, with fan support serving as a powerful source of motivation.

Winter sports

From March 4–8, the Shahdagh Mountain Resort will host the European Championship in Ski Mountaineering. Held in Azerbaijan for the first time, the championship will feature four disciplines: sprint, vertical race, individual race and mixed relay. Against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks, athletes will test their endurance, strength and speed, while spectators can expect memorable moments.

At the same time, from March 6–8, Shahdagh will host a Ski Mountaineering World Cup stage. This competition will be the fifth stage of the World Cup and will be held in the vertical and individual disciplines. During the 2025–2026 season, World Cup stages are scheduled in Salt Lake City (USA), Courchevel (France), Arinsal (Andorra), Boí Taüll (Spain), Shahdagh (Azerbaijan), Val Martello and Puy-Saint-Vincent (Italy), and Villars-sur-Ollon (Switzerland).

On March 14–15, Shahdagh will host the final stage of the FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup (moguls). During the 2025–2026 season, World Cup stages will take place in Ruka (Finland), Secret Garden (China), Lac-Beauport and Val-Saint-Come (Canada), Lake Placid and Deer Valley (USA), Nanto–Toyama (Japan) and Almaty (Kazakhstan). The series of international competitions at Shahdagh will contribute to growing interest in winter sports.

Kayaking, rowing and swimming

From July to September, Baku will play host to the World Championships for Youth and U23 in kayak and canoe, as well as marathon rowing competitions for senior athletes. This prestigious event will provide young athletes with opportunities to develop their skills while allowing experienced professionals to demonstrate their strength.

In October, the city of Mingachevir will play host to its traditional international regatta. Athletes from various countries will participate, and the reservoir will play host to a series of thrilling races. The regatta will make an important contribution to the strengthening of water sports traditions in Azerbaijan.

The Silk Road Swimming World Cup stage will take place at the Baku Aquatics Centre from October 1–3. The competition is expected to generate considerable interest from the international community. The initial stage will take place in Baku, with subsequent events in Tashkent and the final in Astana. This prestigious tournament along the Silk Road route will see renowned swimmers from around the world compete.

Sumo, boxing and chess

On October 17–18, Baku will host the World Sumo Championship. Leading international athletes will gather in Azerbaijan to demonstrate their strength. This event is of major importance for the popularisation and development of sumo in the country. Notably, the championship will be held for the first time not only in Azerbaijan, but in the region as a whole. The tournament will feature the most decorated professional sumo wrestler in history, multiple Guinness World Records holder Hakuho Sho.

In 2026, Azerbaijan will also host the prestigious international boxing tournament “The Great Silk Road”. The event will take place from April 2–8 at the Baku Boxing Centre. The tournament occupies an important place in the international boxing calendar and is of great significance for athletes seeking international competitive experience.

From April 20–29, the traditional Baku Open International Chess Festival will once again be held, bringing together more than 1,100 chess players from over ten countries.

Football, volleyball and triathlon

On January 21, Azerbaijan’s champion Garabagh will play its final home match of the main stage of the Champions League. The team, coached by Gurban Gurbanov, will face the German club Eintracht Frankfurt.

From August 21–28, Baku will host Group C matches of the European Women’s Volleyball Championship. Six of the continent’s strongest teams will compete in the Azerbaijani capital for championship honours. Matches at the National Gymnastics Arena will serve as a strong stimulus for the development of women’s sport in the country. In the group stage, the top four teams will advance to the next round. Alongside Azerbaijan, the host countries are Czechia, Sweden and Türkiye, where the final matches will be held. The championship will run from August 21 to September 6.

On September 5–6, Azerbaijan will host the international triathlon IRONMAN 70.3 BAKU for the first time. The programme includes the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon, the IRONKIDS race, and a 5 km Fun Run. The triathlon consists of a 1.9 km swim (one lap in the Caspian Sea), a 90 km cycling stage (two laps), and a 21.1 km half marathon (three laps).

Wrestling and judo

In 2026, Baku will host the U17 Wrestling World Championship. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Executive Committee of United World Wrestling. Competing bids were submitted by Sofia (Bulgaria), Alexandria (Egypt), Amman (Jordan) and Brasov (Romania). The world’s best young wrestlers will compete from July 27 to August 2 at the National Gymnastics Arena.

On August 22–23, the Baku Sports Palace will host the World Championship in Kazakh Kures wrestling. The tournament will strengthen sporting cooperation and friendship between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, offering spectators intense bouts, national spirit and an atmosphere of international camaraderie.

From October 4–11, Baku is expected to host the Judo World Championship. The world’s most titled judokas will arrive in the capital to determine the strongest competitors. This tournament is one of the key events for earning qualification points for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The competition will enhance the country’s international sporting prestige and leave a significant mark on its sporting history. Baku previously hosted the senior Judo World Championship in 2018.

From October 22–25, the capital will welcome another major international sporting event—the European Deaf Judo Championship. The strongest judokas from across Europe will take part. The tournament is included in the official calendar of the European Deaf Sport Organisation and features both individual and team competitions. The championship will contribute to the development of judo in Europe and the promotion of inclusive sport.

Formula 1 and multisport events

Traditionally, Baku will once again host the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, scheduled for September 24–26. The street-circuit racing festival will once more draw global attention to the country. Thousands of spectators will be able to enjoy both the competition and the atmosphere of Baku.

In 2026, Azerbaijan will also participate in major multisport events. From February 6–22, athletes will travel to Italy for the 25th Winter Olympic Games, and from October 31 to November 13 they will represent the country at the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.