Top sporting events in the UK in 2026

Sports bettors in the United Kingdom are in for a treat in 2026, with the schedule packed with a host of top-class events across different disciplines.

The final of the PDC Darts World Championship at the Alexandra Palace in London kicks off what promises to be a stellar year for sport in the UK.

Major horse racing meetings at Cheltenham and Aintree are the headline acts in March and April, while the FA Cup final will trigger a betting frenzy in May.

Punters will be clamouring to find the best odds on golf in July as The Open Championship is staged at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport.

Scottie Scheffler romped to victory in 2025 and he will be among the bookmakers’ favourites to retain the title next time around.

Read on as we look at the UK sporting calendar for 2026, before highlighting some of the standout bets for the year ahead.  

UK sporting calendar 2026

January 2026

• January 3: Darts – PDC Darts World Championship Final – Alexandra Palace, London

February 2026

• February 5 – March 14: Rugby union – Six Nations Championship – England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland & Wales
• February 5: Darts – Premier League Darts Opening Night – Utilita Arena, Newcastle

March

• March 10-13: Horse racing – Cheltenham Festival – Cheltenham

April

• April 5: Horse racing – Grand National – Aintree
• April 18 – May 4: Snooker – World Snooker Championships – Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

May

• May 17: Football – FA Cup Final – Wembley Stadium, London
• May 24: Football – Premier League 2025/26 final day – Various
• May 28: Premier League Darts Finals Night – O2 Arena, London

June

• June 6: Horse racing – The Derby – Epsom
• June 16-20: Horse racing – Royal Ascot – Ascot
• June 29 – July 12: Tennis – Wimbledon Championships – All England Lawn Tennis Club, London

July

• July 5: Formula 1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone, Northamptonshire
• July 17-20: Golf – The Open Championship – Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport
• July 18-26: Darts – World Matchplay Darts – Winter Gardens, Blackpool
• July 23 – Aug 2: Multi-sports – Commonwealth Games – Glasgow

August

• August 10-16: Athletics – European Athletics Championships – Birmingham
• August 15: Football – Premier League 2026/27 begins – Various

September

• September 12: Horse racing – St Leger Stakes – Doncaster

October

• October 17: Horse racing – British Champions Day – Ascot

November

• TBA: Darts – Grand Slam of Darts – Wolverhampton

December

• TBA: Darts – World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London
• December 26: Horse racing: King George VI Chase – Kempton

Top two bets for 2026

Manchester City – Premier League

Manchester City went into the November international break second in the Premier League, four points behind Arsenal after 11 games.

While the Gunners have been in fine form during the early part of the campaign, Man City’s greater strength in depth will help them as the season progresses.

Odds of 9/4 to win the title look exceptional value and can deliver a winning return to punters who are willing to take the plunge.

Manchester United – FA Cup

Manchester United will be eager to build on the improvement they have shown over the past few weeks and look worth an interest at 16/1 in the outright FA Cup market.

Manager Ruben Amorim’s tactics finally appear to have the Red Devils heading in the right direction and he will fancy his chances of guiding them to a trophy this term.

Fatigue will not be a factor for United with only the Premier League and FA Cup to focus on, and they should end the season on a high note.

Top sporting events in the UK in 2026