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Happy New Year!
If you are anything like us, the first week of January is spent doing two things: recovering from the festive season’s excesses and, more importantly, planning where 2026 is going to take us.
We all make resolutions to travel more, to be more adventurous, or to finally tick off those “one day” experiences that sit at the back of our minds. But as sports fans, we know that the best trips aren’t just about the destination—they are about the shared electricity of the atmosphere, the deafening roar of the crowd, and being there in person when history is made. It’s about the stories you bring home, not just the souvenirs.
2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for international sport, offering a unique blend of historic rivalries and global spectacles that we haven’t seen align in quite this way before. From the crisp air of a Parisian spring to the vibrant heat of a South African summer, the calendar is packed with “I was there” moments.
Here are the five bucket-list events that should be firmly on your radar this year, and—crucially—why you need to start planning them now rather than waiting for the last minute.
The Ultimate “Le Crunch”: France vs. England (Six Nations)
Where: Paris, France (Stade de France)
When: March 14, 2026
If you only book one rugby trip this year, make it this one. The 2026 Six Nations schedule has served up a tantalising finale: “Le Crunch” on the very last day of the tournament. This isn’t just a match; it is a clash of cultures, styles, and over a century of sporting history that defines the Northern Hemisphere game.
The Experience: Super Saturday in Paris
Imagine the scene: it’s Super Saturday. The entire day is a crescendo of rugby, culminating under the floodlights in Paris. The atmosphere at the Stade de France—fresh from its starring role in the Olympics—will be electric. Unlike the respectful silence you might find at other grounds, the Stade de France is a cauldron of noise, color, and passion, driven by a brass band that never seems to stop playing.
There is every chance the Championship title—or even a Grand Slam—could be on the line, raising the stakes to fever pitch. You aren’t just watching 80 minutes of rugby; you are watching the climax of six weeks of drama.
But the magic of this trip starts long before kick-off. We love Paris for the post-match culture as much as the game itself. A weekend here transforms into a fan voyage the moment you step onto the Eurostar. It’s the camaraderie of thousands of travelling fans taking over the city’s brasseries, the debate over tactics over a pre-match irregular verb in a Montmartre café, and the celebration (or commiseration) deep into the Parisian night.
Why go with Venatour?
Paris is a magnificent city, but it can be daunting on match weekends. It is best experienced with people who know the city inside out. Our packages take the stress out of the logistics, securing the best hotels and transfers, leaving you free to enjoy the rugby, the red wine, and the sights of the Seine. We know where to find the best steak-frites, the hidden rugby bars in the Latin Quarter, and the quickest route to the stadium to beat the crush.
Find out more about France vs. England in the Six NationsThe World Championships: Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland
Where: Lexington, Kentucky, USA
When: October 30–31, 2026
For the second entry on our list, we are heading to the “Horse Capital of the World.” In 2026, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships returns to its spiritual home: Keeneland Race Course in Kentucky.
The Experience: Racing’s Boutique Jewel
If you have been to the big, sprawling US tracks, Keeneland will come as a beautiful shock. It is a National Historic Landmark that feels more like a park than a racecourse. Stone walls, manicured hedges, and ancient sycamore trees frame the paddock, giving it an intimate, timeless atmosphere that is unique in American racing.
The 2026 renewal is special because Keeneland offers a fan experience like no other. You are incredibly close to the horses. The “railbirds” (fans who stand by the rail) can almost touch the runners as they thunder past. Watching the best horses from Europe take on the best from America on this tight, technical track is the pinnacle of the flat racing year.
Why go with Venatour?
Kentucky is about more than just the two days of racing; it’s about the culture of the Bluegrass State. Our tours include visits to the world-famous stud farms where legends retired, bourbon tastings at historic distilleries, and the chance to experience true Southern hospitality. We secure the hard-to-get grandstand seats that put you right in the heart of the action.
Find out more Book TodayThe World’s Biggest Party: Hong Kong Sevens (50th Anniversary)
Where: Hong Kong (Kai Tak Stadium)
When: April 17–19, 2026
The Hong Kong Sevens is legendary for a reason. It is fast, furious, and undeniably the best party on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit. However, 2026 is particularly special for two massive reasons: it marks the 50th Anniversary of the tournament, and the event settles into its spectacular new home at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium.
The Experience: A New Era for a Historic Event
Expect a carnival atmosphere like no other. The “South Stand” spirit is world-famous, where fancy dress is mandatory, the singing never stops, and the rugby is played to a backdrop of pure joy. But with the move to Kai Tak, the event is leveling up. You get the same infectious energy but in a state-of-the-art facility with a retractable roof and views over Victoria Harbour.
It is the perfect blend of high-octane sport and a bucket-list holiday in Asia. The Sevens isn’t just a tournament; it’s a “Rugby Week” that takes over the entire city. Between matches, you can explore the vibrant street markets of Kowloon, enjoy world-class dim sum, or take the iconic Star Ferry across the harbor.
Venatour Insider Tip:
This is the first year the event will feel fully established in its new home after the emotional farewell to the old Hong Kong Stadium. Being part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations means you’ll be part of rugby history. Expect special legends matches, concerts, and a celebration of half a century of Sevens culture.
Find out more about Hong Kong SevensThe Global Spectacle: FIFA World Cup 2026
Where: USA, Canada, Mexico
When: June – July 2026
It doesn’t get bigger than this. The World Cup returns to North America, promising to be the largest and most geographically diverse tournament in history. With 48 teams competing (up from 32) and matches spread across three immense countries, this is going to be a summer of football that transforms an entire continent into a festival of sport.
The Experience: The Ultimate Road Trip
The sheer scale of this tournament is mind-boggling. Matches will be played in venues ranging from the historic, high-altitude cauldron of the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to the futuristic marvel of SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and the lakeside beauty of Toronto’s BMO Field.
This is a chance to combine a classic North American road trip with the passion of the World Cup. Imagine watching a group game in the heat of Miami, then heading to the skyscrapers of New York for a knockout clash. The “Fan Zones” in these major cities will be festivals in themselves, gathering thousands of supporters from every corner of the globe.
Venatour Note:
We are currently taking inquiries for this event. However, a word of warning: the logistics for a tournament of this scale—spanning multiple time zones and borders—can be a major headache for the independent traveller. Flights between host cities will book up months in advance, and accommodation prices will spike. A package is almost essential to ensure you are in the right city at the right time without the stress.
Find out moreWinter Sun & Wickets: England Cricket Tour to South Africa
Where: South Africa (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban)
When: December 2026 – January 2027
We are finishing the year with the ultimate “tour experience.” An England cricket tour to South Africa is widely regarded as the holy grail for cricket fans because it offers so much more than just the game. It is a full-blown holiday where the cricket is the centerpiece.
The Experience: Cricket in Paradise
The Test series kicks off in December, making it the perfect way to escape the grey British winter. Picture yourself waking up to a view of Table Mountain, spending your non-match days touring the famous Winelands of Stellenbosch, or spotting the “Big Five” on a luxury safari game drive.
The atmosphere at South African grounds is unique—relaxed, sunny, and incredibly welcoming. Watching England at a venue like Newlands with the sun on your back and a cold drink in hand? It simply doesn’t get better than that. Unlike the sometimes rowdy nature of other tours, South Africa offers a perfect mix of tension on the pitch and relaxation off it. It’s a rhythm of life you will fall in love with: breakfast in the sun, cricket all day, and a steak dinner under the stars at night.
Why go with Venatour?
South Africa is a destination where local knowledge is key. Our tours are designed to show you the best of the country safely and luxuriously. We don’t just drop you at the cricket; we curate the entire experience, from wine tastings at exclusive estates to private game drives in malaria-free reserves.
Find out more about England Cricket Tour to South AfricaMake 2026 Your Year of Sport
The only problem with bucket lists is that events sell out while you are still thinking about them. Whether it’s the roar of Cheltenham, the electric lights of Paris, or the winter sun of Cape Town, our team is ready to help you plan the perfect itinerary.
Ready to get something in the diary? Contact our team today.