The new year is here and Mirror Sports writers are looking ahead to the upcoming big events, including the World Cup, Masters and Winter Olympics.
Welcome to the new year. What will the new year bring to the world of sports? Our reporters have set the stage for 2026.
Andy Dunn
What sporting event are you most looking forward to in 2026?
It sneaks up on us without warning, with little fanfare and little British optimism, but this year’s Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are no less captivating. And this time, Team GB have a big chance of winning some medals. Look at teenage snowboarder Mia Brooks.
Can England’s men’s team really win the World Cup?
Yes, you can. But no, it’s not. Thomas Tuchel has a very good squad at his disposal, but he will still prove to be lacking in certain areas. The reliance on Harry Kane is a cause for concern, and even if we deny the gap in qualification, the defensive unit will be exposed to strong opposition.
read more: Transfer News LIVE: Semenyo deal completed, Liverpool’s defensive stance, Manchester United “call” Nevesread more: All 46 sports stars win New Year’s Honors after Kevin Sinfield is banned from winning.
Who can make 2026 the best year of their career?
The British Open on his home course will prove that Tommy Fleetwood has the potential to become the world’s best golfer. But the victory at Royal Birkdale may not be his first major victory. The American jinx has been successfully broken, and the affable Southport golfer is a strong contender for the Masters.
What would you like to see more of in sports in 2026?
Free action. There are many reasons why the World Cup is great, but one of the main reasons is that anyone can watch it without having to subscribe to TV. Someday, sports executives will wake up to the idea that selling their souls to the highest TV bidder isn’t necessarily the best option.
What would you like to see less of in sports in 2026?
Simple. Cheating. It’s always existed in sports, but it’s never been this prevalent. Especially in soccer, it’s become the default mode. Goalkeepers pretending to be injured, players falling under hand brushes, shrieking, screaming and diving. If VAR is useful for anything, it should be to punish cheating.
Jeremy Cross
What sporting event are you most looking forward to in 2026?
There is one option that is better than the others. It’s the best show on grass in the shape of the North American World Cup. Given the challenges of scorching temperatures, late kick-offs, time zones, ticket prices and huge travel distances, it should be interesting to see how it plays out. Not to mention the influence of Donald Trump. However, organizers FIFA have prepared beds for them, and they will have to lie there from now on.
But can England’s men really win?
History tells us that the Three Lions have only won the top prize once, and considering that was almost 60 years ago, England will never win.
More recently, as in 2018 and 2022, England have shown themselves to be a late-game team, with manager Thomas Tuchel taking a talented squad to North America but relying too much on Harry Kane’s goals. Reaching the quarterfinals may be the team’s limit.
Who can make 2026 the best year of their career?
Tommy Fleetwood had a stellar year in 2025, winning his first PGA Tour event, the FedEx Cup, and leading Europe to Ryder Cup glory. He is now one of the best golfers in the world, but he is still waiting to win a major. He has come close in the past, but with his newfound confidence, there could be no better place to set his first target with the British Open in mind than at Royal Birkdale, right on Fleetwood’s doorstep.
What would you like to see more of in sports in 2026?
Top-level athletes demonstrate more dignity, respect, and discrimination in their chosen sport and set a better example for future generations. Sometimes it takes gamesmanship to get that advantage, and some individuals take things too far, but if a footballer blatantly cheats on a cheating official, it should be a red card offence. The behavior of famous athletes in the spotlight needs to improve.
What would you like to see less of in sports in 2026?
The use of VAR in soccer. Since its introduction in the Premier League in 2019, VAR has only caused major disruption and delays to top-flight matches. These days, you have to be Einstein, the king of soccer, to understand how it works. Hanging around to find out the outcome of a goal or an offside call sucks all the spontaneity and passion out of a beautiful game.
john cross
What sporting event are you most looking forward to in 2026?
world cup. It is the pinnacle and has the potential to unite the entire nation. It promises to be huge, expanding to 48 countries, and there’s no doubt that FIFA will want to put on the most extravagant, extravagant and craziest show we’ve ever seen. I can’t wait.
But can England’s men really win?
yes. absolutely. They have a great team in Thomas Tuchel as their top manager and are among the top four ‘seeds’ on their way to glory. But the bigger question is: Will it happen? Sorry, I don’t think so. Spain, Argentina and France are better. They have a chance too, but I like Spain.
Who can make 2026 the best year of their career?
Harry Kane. If England’s Captain Marvel is fit and goes to the US at peak fitness and the team does well…well, he could win the Golden Boot (again) and lead England to glory. I have a lot of respect for Kane and would love to see him lift the trophy and win the Ballon d’Or.
What would you like to see more of in sports in 2026?
Another showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. I love tennis. We’ve already had some classic encounters. And I hope that the greatest rivalry in sports, not just tennis, continues for many more years. They are very friendly, competitive, and serve classic cuisine.
What would you like to see less of in sports in 2026?
set play. I want to see football shine again. Don’t get me wrong. If you’re good at set pieces, why don’t you use them? But in football there is always a cycle. Big players. technical players. Tiki taka. We go through stages. I want to see more skill, flair, and magical moments in the game I love.
neil mcleman
What sporting event are you most looking forward to in 2026?
Masters. The first major of the season is always special. This year, Rory McIlroy will defend his title and the rest of the European Ryder Cup teams can rely on Bethpage Black’s victory to take on Augusta National in April. However, British Open champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler will be the favorite.
Can England’s men’s team really win the World Cup?
Yes, but they don’t. Thomas Tuchel’s side have had an excellent performance in qualifying, but they have yet to play against a good team. Brazil and Argentina have won the last two World Cups held in North America (1970, 1986, 1994), and the winning nation is once again my favorite.
Who can make 2026 the best year of their career?
Bob McIntyre. The Scottish golfer has won on the PGA Tour, finished second at last season’s US Open and then finished in the top 10 at the British Open. A major win is the next step for the Ryder Cup star. And the left-handed player has a good record at the Masters.
What would you like to see more of in sports in 2026?
A comforting story, a story of redemption, and a vivid drama. In 2025, Rory McIlroy, J.J. Spahn and Tommy Fleetwood finally won big golf titles, Carlos Alcaraz saved three match points to win the French Open crown, and Jalen Hurts led the Eagles to the Super Bowl. more of the same please
What would you like to see less of in sports in 2026?
Player burnout, injuries, and early retirement. More events and more money mean more physical demands on the superstars the public pays to see. The year after the FIFA Club World Cup and a grueling domestic season, North America will host a highly competitive 48-team World Cup. Not everyone can keep up this pace, and big names risk missing out and ending their careers early.
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