The Ultimate Roar: Why 2026 is the Year of the Sporting Traveler

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the house lights dim, the engines rev, or the referee’s whistle pierces the air. It’s the collective intake of breath from thousands of strangers who, for a few hours, become a single, pulsing heartbeat. Watching sport on a screen is a pastime; experiencing it live is a memory that defines a lifetime.

At Wonderland Travel, we believe that traveling for sport is about more than just the final score. It is about the electric atmosphere of a fan zone in a foreign city, the smell of local street food outside a stadium, and the shared camaraderie of supporters from across the globe. 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most significant years in sporting history, offering a global buffet of adrenaline and culture.

Kicking off 2026 we have:

The Global Stage: FIFA World Cup 2026

Location: USA, Canada, and Mexico

Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026

The biggest show on Earth is getting even bigger. For the first time, the FIFA World Cup will be hosted across three nations, featuring 48 teams and a festival of football that spans from the neon lights of Los Angeles to the historic heights of Mexico City and the coastal beauty of Vancouver.

• What to do: Beyond the matches, immerse yourself in the distinct flavours of the host cities. You could be hiking the Appalachian trails near Boston one day and sampling authentic tacos in Guadalajara the next. Each city will host massive "FIFA Fan Festivals" where the party continues long after the 90 minutes are up.

  
  

• Where to stay: For the final in New York/New Jersey, look for luxury stays in Manhattan to be close to the action, or boutique hotels in Brooklyn for a trendier vibe. In Mexico City, the Reforma district offers grand hotels with easy access to the iconic Estadio Azteca.

Winter Magic: Milano Cortina 2026

Location: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Dates: February 6 – 22, 2026

Italy is set to host the XXV Olympic Winter Games, blending the high-fashion sophistication of Milan with the breathtaking, rugged beauty of the Dolomites. This is the perfect trip for those who love the "Après-sport" lifestyle as much as the competition itself.

• What to do: In Milan, witness the opening ceremony at the San Siro before heading to the mountains. In Cortina, known as the "Queen of the Dolomites," you can ski between events, enjoy world-class Italian wine in high-altitude huts, and experience the local Ladin culture.

• Where to stay: In Milan, stay near the Duomo to be in the heart of the Olympic festivities. In the Dolomites, we recommend luxury chalets in Alta Badia or San Vito di Cadore to enjoy a quieter, more authentic Alpine retreat.

Speed and Soul: The Madrid Grand Prix

Location: Madrid, Spain

Dates: September 2026

Formula 1 enters a new era in 2026 with updated car regulations and, most excitingly, the debut of a brand-new street circuit in Madrid. While the classics like Monaco and Silverstone remain legendary, there is nothing quite like being there for a "first."

• What to do: Madrid is a city that never sleeps. Between practice sessions and race day, explore the world-class art at the Prado Museum or enjoy a "tapas crawl" through the vibrant streets of Malasaña. The hybrid street/circuit at IFEMA promises an urban race experience like no other.

• Where to stay: Choose a hotel along the Gran Vía to experience the architectural grandeur of the city, or opt for the Salamanca district if you prefer high-end shopping and Michelin-starred dining.

Tradition in Bloom: Wimbledon

Location: London, United Kingdom

Dates: June 29 – July 12, 2026

For a different pace, nothing beats the elegance of Wimbledon. From the pristine grass courts to the iconic strawberries and cream, it is a sporting event that feels like a garden party with world-class athletes.

• What to do: While tennis is the focus, a trip to SW19 is a gateway to London’s summer season. Take a boat down the Thames, catch a show in the West End, or spend an afternoon in the Royal Parks.

• Where to stay: Stay in South Kensington or Chelsea for a short commute to the grounds via the District Line, offering a blend of classic London charm and modern luxury.

Let Us Take You There

Planning a trip around a major sporting event can be complex. Tickets sell out in seconds, hotels book up years in advance, and logistics can be a hurdle. That is where we come in. Wonderland Travel specialise in creating seamless, luxury travel itineraries that put you right in the centre of the action without any of the stress.

Whether you want to be behind the wheel of a supercar in Italy or behind the goalposts in North America, we handle the details so you can focus on the roar of the crowd.

Ready to secure your spot in history?

Contact our expert travel team today to start planning your 2026 sporting adventure. Let's make sure you

aren't just watching the highlights, you are living them.