The New Year is here and Mirror Sport’s writers are looking ahead to the big upcoming events, including the World Cup, Masters and Winter Olympics, while giving their predictions
Welcome to the new year and just what will it bring for the world of sport? Our reporters set the scene for 2026.
Andy Dunn
WHAT SPORTING EVENT AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN 2026?
It creeps up unannounced, with little fanfare and with little British optimism, but the Winter OIympics – held this year in Milan and Cortina D’Ampezzo – never fails to enthral. And this time around, Team GB has a serious chance of winning a couple of medals. Look out for teenage snowboarder Mia Brookes.
CAN ENGLAND’S MEN REALLY WIN THE WORLD CUP?
Yes, they can. But no, they won’t. Thomas Tuchel has a very good squad at his disposal but it will still be found wanting in certain areas. The reliance on Harry Kane is a cause for concern and, even though they did not concede a gap in qualification, the defensive unit will be exposed by blue-chip opposition.
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WHICH INDIVIDUAL COULD MAKE 2026 THE BEST YEAR OF THEIR CAREER?
On his home track, The Open will be confirmation that Tommy Fleetwood has the potential to be the best golfer in the world. But a victory at Royal Birkdale might not be his first Major win. With his American jinx well and truly broken, the affable Southport golfer is a very good bet for the Masters.
WHAT DO I WANT TO SEE MORE OF IN SPORT IN 2026?
Free-to-air action. The World Cup is great for many reasons but one of the main ones is that everyone can watch it without having to fork out for subscription television. One day, sports executives are going to wake up to the idea that it is not always the best option to sell your soul to soul to the highest TV bidder.
WHAT DO I WANT TO SEE LESS OF IN SPORT IN 2026?
Simple. Cheating. It has always been there in sport but it has never been more prevalent. And in football, in particular, it has become a default mode. Goalkeepers pretending to be injured, players collapsing at the brush of a hand, squealing, screaming, diving. If VAR is useful for one thing, it should be to punish cheats.
Jeremy Cross
WHAT SPORTING EVENT AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN 2026?
There’s one choice above the rest, and it’s the greatest show on turf in the shape of the World Cup in North America. How it plays out should be fascinating, considering the challenges which include searing temperatures, late kick offs, time zones, ticket pricing and vast distances of travel. Not to mention the influence of a certain Donald Trump. But organisers FIFA have made their bed, and will now have to lay in it.
BUT CAN ENGLAND’S MEN REALLY WIN IT?
History suggests England will not triumph, considering the Three Lions have won the ultimate prize just once, and this was almost 60 years ago.
While more recent times have exposed England as a team which gets found out in the latter stages, like they did in 2018 and then again in 2022.Thomas Tuchel will take a talented squad to North America, but one far too reliant on Harry Kane’s goals. Reaching the quarter finals might be the team’s limit.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL COULD MAKE 2026 THE BEST YEAR OF THEIR CAREER?
Tommy Fleetwood had a stellar 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 also one still waiting to win a Major. He’s gone close in the past, but with his new found confidence, what better place to land his first one considering the Open is at Royal Birkdale, which is almost on Fleetwood’s doorstep.
WHAT DO I WANT TO SEE MORE OF IN SPORT IN 2026?
Top level sportspeople showing more class, respect and distinction in their chosen sports, setting a better example to future generations. Gamesmanship is sometimes needed to gain that edge, but some individuals take things too far, while footballers blatantly cheating to con officials should become a red card offence. The behaviour of famous sportspeople when in the spotlight needs to improve.
WHAT DO I WANT TO SEE LESS OF IN SPORT IN 2026?
The use of VAR in football. Since its introduction to the Premier League in 2019, all VAR has done is bring major confusion and delay to top flight games. These days you almost have to he some king of footballing Einstein to understand how it works, let alone comprehend how those operating it interpret certain scenarios. Hanging around waiting to discover the outcome of a call on a goal or off-side has sucked all the spontaneity and passion out of the beautiful game.
John Cross
WHAT SPORTING EVENT AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN 2026?
The World Cup. It is the pinnacle and has the potential to unite the whole nation. It promises to be huge, expanded to 48 nations and you can be sure FIFA will want to put on the most lavish, extravagant and crazy show we have ever seen. I cannot wait.
BUT CAN ENGLAND’S MEN REALLY WIN IT?
Yes. Definitely. They have a top manager in Thomas Tuchel, a great squad and are in the top four “seeds” with a route to glory. But the bigger question is: will they? I’m sorry, but I don’t think so. Spain, Argentina and France are better. They have a chance but I fancy Spain.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL COULD MAKE 2026 THE BEST YEAR OF THEIR CAREER?
Harry Kane. If England’s Captain Marvel goes to the United States in good form, in peak fitness and the team clicks… well, he could win the Golden Boot (again) and lead England to glory. I respect Kane so much and would love to see him lift the trophy and win the Ballon D’Or.
WHAT DO I WANT TO SEE MORE OF IN SPORT IN 2026?
More showdowns between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. I love tennis. We’ve had a few classic encounters already. And I hope we have got a few more years of one of sport’s greatest rivalries, never mind just tennis. They are so close, so competitive and they serve up classics.
WHAT DO I WANT TO SEE LESS OF IN SPORT IN 2026?
Set-pieces. I want to see football go back to flair. Don’t misunderstand me. If you are good at set-pieces, why wouldn’t you use them? But football is always cyclical. Big players. Technical players. Tiki-taka. We go through phases. I want to see more skill, flair and magical moments in the game I love.
Neil McLeman
WHAT SPORTING EVENT AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN 2026?
The Masters. The first Major of the season is always special. This year Rory McIlroy will defend the title while the rest of the European Ryder Cup team can take the confidence of the Bethpage Black victory to Augusta National in April. But Open champion and world No.1 Scottie Scheffler will be the favourite.
CAN ENGLAND’S MEN REALLY WIN THE WORLD CUP?
Yes but they won’t. Thomas Tuchel’s side have an excellent record in qualifying but they haven’t played a good team yet. Brazil and Argentina have won the previous two World Cups in North America – in 1970, 1986 and 1994 – and the holders are my favourites again.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL COULD MAKE 2026 THE BEST YEAR OF THEIR CAREER?
Bob MacIntyre. The Scottish golfer has won the PGA Tour and finished second at the US Open last season before another top ten at the Open. A Major win for the Ryder Cup star is now the next step. And left-handers have a good record at the Masters.
WHAT DO I WANT TO SEE MORE OF IN SPORT IN 2026?
Feelgood and redemption stories – and raw drama. In 2025, there was Rory McIlroy, JJ Spaun and Tommy Fleetwood finally winning big golf titles, Carlos Alcaraz saving three match points before claiming the French Open crown and Jalen Hurts leading the Eagles to the Superbowl. More of the same please
WHAT DO I WANT TO SEE LESS OF IN SPORT IN 2026?
Player burnout, injuries and early retirements. More events and more money leads to more physical demands on the superstars that the public pay to see. There is a 48-team World Cup in the heat of North America a year after the FIFA Club World Cup and a gruelling domestic season. Not everyone will last the pace and big names will be missing and careers risk ending early.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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