Welcome, 2026! Here are the landmark events that will happen in the new year.

2026 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for the United States and the world, filled with major sporting competitions, historic celebrations, political milestones, space exploration, and cultural events that will capture global attention and engage people across generations. The year kicks off with America’s 250th anniversary, marking a semiquincentennial of the nation’s founding. Communities nationwide are preparing parades, fireworks, volunteer activities, educational programs, and cultural exhibits to celebrate this landmark milestone. From local town halls to major national ceremonies, the celebrations are intended to reflect both the history and diversity of the country, encouraging Americans to engage with their heritage while also looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the next century. These events are likely to serve as platforms for both civic pride and political expression, as leaders and organizations plan commemorations that intertwine cultural identity, historical reflection, and contemporary social discourse.

While national celebrations of the 250th anniversary will dominate the domestic calendar, global sporting events will place the United States and its neighbors at the center of international attention. The 2026 Winter Olympics, set to take place in Milan and Cortina, Italy, will showcase elite athletes competing in winter sports such as skiing, skating, and snowboarding. Fans worldwide will tune in as countries vie for medals and national prestige, making this one of the most closely watched winter competitions in recent memory. Following the Winter Olympics, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will draw unprecedented attention as the tournament expands to include 48 national teams, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Matches are expected to occur in multiple cities across North America, culminating in a highly anticipated final that is projected to be one of the most widely viewed sports events in history. The expanded format promises to elevate soccer’s profile across the continent while also offering an opportunity for cross-cultural exchange, economic activity through tourism, and celebrations of international sportsmanship.

In addition to these headline-grabbing competitions, other major sporting events will capture audiences’ attention throughout the year, including global track and field competitions, women’s soccer championships, and other international tournaments. These events not only highlight athletic excellence but also reflect broader social trends, including increased visibility for women’s sports and the growing influence of international leagues and tournaments on local communities. The cumulative effect is a year in which sport becomes a bridge connecting people, cultures, and nations in a shared appreciation for competition, teamwork, and achievement.

Political events will also play a defining role in 2026. The midterm elections will determine control of Congress and influence national policy on issues ranging from climate and energy to infrastructure and education. These elections, occurring amid the historic celebrations and global competitions, are likely to shape the political landscape for years to come. Citizens and political observers will be closely watching debates, campaigns, and election outcomes, as they provide insight into public priorities and the direction of domestic governance. The intersection of political, cultural, and sporting events in the same calendar year is likely to intensify public engagement and influence national discourse.

Space exploration will be another highlight of 2026, as NASA’s Artemis II and subsequent missions aim to return humans to lunar orbit for the first time in decades. These missions represent a renewed commitment to scientific discovery, innovation, and global collaboration in space. The Artemis program seeks to expand our understanding of the Moon while laying the groundwork for future exploration, including potential human missions to Mars. These milestones will inspire curiosity, support STEM education, and highlight the role of the United States as a leader in space exploration. Astronomical events, such as solar and lunar phenomena visible across multiple continents, will complement these space missions by sparking public interest and offering opportunities for outreach and engagement with science and the natural world.

Beyond sports, politics, and science, 2026 will be filled with cultural commemorations, global festivals, and diplomatic events. Leaders from around the world are expected to participate in celebrations, reinforce international cooperation, and honor historical milestones that resonate across borders. Artistic exhibitions, music festivals, and theater performances will also highlight the creativity and diversity of human expression, bringing communities together in celebration of both tradition and innovation. The combination of local, national, and international events will make 2026 a year in which people can reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and anticipate future achievements.

Taken together, the 250th anniversary, global sporting events, political contests, space exploration, and cultural celebrations make 2026 a landmark year with implications for public engagement, international visibility, and collective memory. Citizens, athletes, scientists, and policymakers alike will participate in shaping a narrative that balances history, innovation, competition, and civic pride. Whether through watching a World Cup match, attending a local parade, or observing a lunar mission, individuals around the world will have opportunities to witness and participate in milestones that reflect human ambition, resilience, and the enduring significance of shared experience. In essence, 2026 promises to be a year of celebration, reflection, and forward-looking achievement, connecting people across continents through sports, politics, culture, science, and history, and leaving an imprint on public consciousness that will extend well beyond the calendar year.