At a Glance
- 2026 will feature the Winter Olympics, Artemis II moon mission, FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th birthday, and midterm elections.
- Major dates: Feb 6-22 (Olympics), Feb-Apr (Artemis II), Jun 11-19 (World Cup), Jul 4 (USA 250), elections in Nov.
- Key highlights: 48 World Cup teams, 10-day Artemis II lunar fly-by, 250th birthday celebrations across the country.
Why it matters: The year packs historic sporting, space, and political milestones that will shape national identity and global events.
The 2026 calendar is packed with events that will capture the nation’s attention, from the high-altitude thrills of the Winter Games to the historic lunar fly-by and the global football spectacle, all while marking America’s 250th anniversary and the decisive midterm elections.
Winter Olympics & Paralympics
The 2026 Winter Games will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo from Feb 6 to 22. The opening ceremony at San Siro stadium will feature Savannah Guthrie, Terry Gannon, Mariah Carey, and Pierfrancesco Favino. The closing ceremony on Feb 22 will air on NBC and stream on Peacock, while the Paralympics from Mar 6 to 14 will include six sports: para Alpine skiing, para biathlon, para cross-country skiing, para ice hockey, para snowboard, and wheelchair curling.
- Team USA favorites: Jessie Diggins, Noah Elliot, Alex Hall, Chloe Kim
NASA’s Artemis II Mission
Artemis II aims to launch between Feb and Apr, testing the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Four astronauts will orbit the Moon for about ten days to evaluate deep-space systems. It is the first crewed flight of the Artemis program and will bring humans close to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years.
- Success leads to Artemis III near the south pole
- Trump’s executive order calls for a return to the Moon by 2028
FIFA World Cup 2026
The 23rd World Cup will run from Jun 11 to Jul 19 across 48 teams in 16 host cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. 104 matches will be played, with the opening match at Estadio Azteca and the final at MetLife Stadium.
- Toronto, Vancouver (Canada)
- Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey (Mexico)
- Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle (U.S.)
America 250 Celebrations
July 4 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Events include a Rose Parade float, Freedom 250 initiatives, Great American State Fair, and a national celebration on the National Mall. Trump announced plans for a “triumphal arc,” Patriot Games, a Memorial Day parade, and a UFC event at the White House.
Midterm Elections
The 2026 midterms will decide control of Congress and key governor races. Republicans defend a narrow House majority; Democrats need just three seats to flip. The Senate race is easier for the GOP, with key swing states such as Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
| Event | Date Range | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Olympics & Paralympics | Feb 6 – Mar 14 | 6-22 Olympics; 6-14 Paralympics |
| Artemis II Mission | Feb – Apr | 10-day lunar fly-by, 4 astronauts |
| FIFA World Cup | Jun 11 – Jul 19 | 48 teams, 104 matches |
| America 250 | Jul 4 | 250th anniversary celebrations |
| Midterm Elections | Nov 7 | Congressional and gubernatorial contests |
Key Takeaways
- 2026 hosts the Winter Games, a historic lunar mission, the World Cup, America’s 250th birthday, and pivotal elections.
- Major dates include Feb 6-22 (Olympics), Jun 11-19 (World Cup), and Nov 7 (elections).
- The year’s events will shape national identity and global sports and space history.
By Cameron R. Hayes for News Of Fort Worth
