There’s just something different about watching a game live. You can feel it in your chest when the crowd roars, and no highlight reel ever quite captures that. It’s why more and more fans are turning sports travel destinations into full vacation trips instead of just booking a flight for the match and heading straight home.
The good news is that sports travel 2026 has a packed calendar to work with — tennis majors, football seasons, motorsport weekends. And if you can’t make it to every game in person, you can still follow the action with live sports coverage on DAZN. In this guide, you will find the 10 sports travel destinations worth visiting this year.
What Makes a Great Sports Travel Destination?
It’s more than just having a big game on the schedule. You want a city with exciting events, impressive stadiums, and fans who bring real energy to matchday. Easy transportation matters too, because nobody wants to spend half the day stuck in traffic before a game.
The best sports destinations in the world also offer plenty to enjoy outside the stadium. Comfortable hotels, great local food, interesting places to explore, and somewhere fun to head after the final whistle can make all the difference. That combination is what turns ordinary sports tourism destinations into places you’ll genuinely want to visit again.
10 Best Sports Travel Destinations To Visit in 2026
Here are the best sports destinations in the world you can visit this year
1. London, UK
Country: United Kingdom
Sport/Event: Premier League 2026/27
Date: 21 August 2026 – 30 May 2027
Location: Multiple London stadiums, including Emirates Stadium, Stamford Bridge, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and London Stadium
London is a great choice for sports fans, especially with the new Premier League season starting in August. With famous clubs, historic stadiums, and passionate supporters, football fans can expect a lively atmosphere. When you’re not watching a match, London’s museums, restaurants, and West End shows give you plenty to do.
2. Barcelona, Spain
Country: Spain
Sport/Event: La Liga 2026/27 – FC Barcelona home matches
Date: From 27 August 2026
Location: Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona
Football is a big part of Barcelona, with FC Barcelona at the heart of the city’s sports culture. The new La Liga season begins in August, giving fans a chance to catch a match while enjoying the city’s beaches, Gaudí architecture, and tapas.
3. New York City, USA
Country: United States
Sport/Event: 2026 MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL seasons
Date: MLB through September 2026; NFL from September 2026; NBA and NHL from October 2026
Location: Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center and other local venues
New York has something for sports fans in almost every season. Baseball is still underway, while the NFL, NBA, and NHL return in the coming months. Add Broadway, Times Square, and Central Park, and a game here can easily become part of a full city vacation.
4. Melbourne, Australia – A Paradise for Sports Lovers
Country: Australia
Sport/Event: Australia vs England Men’s T20I; Australia vs New Zealand Men’s Test
Date: 21 November 2026; 26–30 December 2026
Location: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
Melbourne still has plenty on the sporting calendar later this year. Cricket fans can look forward to international matches at the MCG, including the Australia-England T20I in November and the Boxing Day Test against New Zealand in December. With its cafés, restaurants, and lively sports culture, Melbourne remains a strong pick for sports travel in 2026.
5. Tokyo, Japan – Where Sports Meet Culture
Country: Japan
Sport/Event: September Grand Sumo Tournament and 2026 NPB Season
Date: Grand Sumo Tournament, 13–27 September 2026; NPB season continues through October
Location: Ryogoku Kokugikan for sumo; baseball games at venues across Tokyo
Tokyo is a great place to combine sports with Japanese culture. The September Grand Sumo Tournament is coming up at Ryogoku Kokugikan, while the NPB baseball season continues through the autumn. Between events, visitors can enjoy Tokyo’s food, temples, shopping, and nightlife.
6. Munich, Germany – A Football Fan’s Dream
Country: Germany
Sport/Event: Bundesliga 2026/27
Date: 28 August 2026 – 22 May 2027
Location: Allianz Arena, Munich
Munich is an easy choice for football fans, with the new Bundesliga season starting at the end of August. Bayern Munich matches at the Allianz Arena offer a chance to experience one of Europe’s famous football atmospheres. The city’s old town and traditional beer halls make the trip even better.
7. Los Angeles, USA
Country: United States
Sport/Event: 2026 MLB, NFL and 2026–27 NBA seasons
Date: MLB through September 2026; NFL from September 2026; NBA from October 2026
Location: Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium, Crypto.com Arena and Intuit Dome
Los Angeles has plenty coming up for sports fans. Baseball continues through the regular season, while the NFL and NBA return later in the year. Outside the stadium, you can explore Hollywood, beaches, restaurants, and some of LA’s most famous neighborhoods.
8. Paris, France
Country: France
Sport/Event: Ligue 1 2026/27
Date: 21 August 2026 – 29 May 2027
Location: Parc des Princes, Paris
Paris is a great option for football fans planning a late-summer or autumn trip. The new Ligue 1 season starts in August, with Paris Saint-Germain among the teams to watch. You can also enjoy the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, cafés, and historic neighborhoods during your visit.
9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Country: Brazil
Sport/Event: Campeonato Brasileiro Série A 2026
Date: Through December 2026
Location: Maracanã Stadium and other football stadiums across Rio de Janeiro
Rio’s football season is still underway, so fans can catch a Campeonato Brasileiro match later this year. Beyond football, the city’s beaches offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy surfing and beach volleyball. Add the local food, music, and lively atmosphere, and Rio makes for a memorable sports trip.
10. Singapore – A Must-Visit for Motorsport Fans
Country: Singapore
Sport/Event: Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2026
Date: 9–11 October 2026
Location: Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore
Singapore is a great pick for motorsport fans, especially with Formula 1 returning to the Marina Bay Street Circuit in October. The night race creates an exciting atmosphere, with the track running through the heart of the city. When you’re not watching the race, you can explore Marina Bay, enjoy local food, and see some of Singapore’s biggest attractions.
How to Plan Your Sports Trip in 2026
A little planning goes a long way with any of these sports travel destinations. A few sports travel tips worth keeping in mind for a sports travel 2026 trip:
- Check event dates before booking flights
- Buy tickets only from official sources
- Book flights and hotels early
- Choose accommodation close to the venue when possible
- Check local public transportation options
- Plan sightseeing around event days
- Confirm visa and entry requirements ahead of time
- Consider travel insurance
- Leave flexibility in your schedule in case dates shift
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, pairing sports with travel just makes for a better trip. Pick whichever of these sports travel destinations lines up with the sport you actually care about, and let the city do the rest — they’re some of the best sports destinations in the world for a reason. Just don’t spend the whole trip inside the stadium. And on the days you can’t make it to a venue in person, there are still plenty of ways to watch sports while travelling and stay close to the action.
