Your Sports Travel Living List: The Biggest Events of 2026–2028
Updated October 2025
For years, people have talked about making a “bucket list” of dream experiences, but that phrase has started to feel outdated — and even a little grim since it’s tied to the idea of things to do before you die. A new term feels much more inspiring: the Living List. Instead of waiting for someday, a Living List is about embracing life now, filling it with unforgettable experiences, and saying yes to the moments that matter most.
If you’re a sports fan, the next few years are the perfect time to start building your own Living List. From the Super Bowl in California to the FIFA World Cup across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — and from the timeless traditions of the Kentucky Derby and Wimbledon to the global spectacle of the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics — the calendar is packed with once-in-a-lifetime sporting events that pair perfectly with incredible travel opportunities.
Super Bowl 2026 – Santa Clara, California
The Super Bowl is more than a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon and the most-watched sporting event in the United States. In 2026, the big game heads to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, right in the heart of California’s Bay Area. Sports fans will get the best of both worlds: high-energy football combined with one of the most vibrant regions in the country. Beyond the gridiron, visitors can explore San Francisco’s waterfront, Silicon Valley’s innovation hub, the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma, and the stunning Pacific coastline. For those planning to attend, it’s worth securing accommodations early — the Bay Area will be buzzing long before kickoff.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – USA, Canada & Mexico
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams across 16 host cities in North America. This first-ever tri-nation World Cup creates unmatched opportunities for fans to combine world-class soccer with diverse travel experiences. You could watch a group-stage match in Mexico City, follow your team to Toronto, and cap it off with knockout-round games in Los Angeles or New York. With so many cities involved, fans can tailor their journey — whether that means sampling street tacos, exploring Niagara Falls, or hitting the beaches of Miami.
UEFA Champions League Final 2026 – Budapest, Hungary
Soccer’s most prestigious club final takes center stage in Budapest in 2026, drawing fans from around the world for one spectacular night. Travelers can explore the Danube’s riverfront beauty, historic baths, and lively café culture before witnessing Europe’s top teams battle for glory. For travelers who love combining sport and sightseeing, this one is hard to top.
The Kentucky Derby and Other Iconic Traditions
Every first weekend in May, Louisville, Kentucky, becomes the center of the sporting world for the “Run for the Roses.” The Kentucky Derby is more than horse racing — it’s mint juleps, extravagant hats, and Southern hospitality rolled into one unforgettable weekend.
And if you’re building a Sports Travel Living List, the classics don’t stop there. Tennis fans can journey to New York for the U.S. Open or across the Atlantic for Wimbledon. Motorsport enthusiasts can add the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix to their list, where the roar of engines echoes through the streets of Monte Carlo.
Super Bowl 2027 – Los Angeles, California
One year after Santa Clara, the Super Bowl returns to SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles — one of the most advanced arenas in the world. The 2027 edition promises Hollywood-level entertainment both on and off the field. Fans can pair the big game with luxury experiences in Beverly Hills, a stroll down the Walk of Fame, or a sunset on the Santa Monica Pier. For repeat Super Bowl travelers, this event will set a new standard for sports luxury.
Basketball and Women’s Soccer World Cups
Basketball fans have plenty to look forward to with the next FIBA Basketball World Cup, typically scheduled just before the Olympic cycle. The tournament showcases established stars and rising talent on an international stage.
Meanwhile, the Women’s World Cup 2027 — host nation still to be determined — is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the decade. With record attendance and global enthusiasm, it’s become a must-see experience for fans of both sport and travel.
Ryder Cup 2027 – Limerick, Ireland
Golf’s most spirited international competition heads to Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027. The Ryder Cup blends elite golf with a festival-like atmosphere, and the Irish countryside offers castles, pubs, and rolling greens for travelers who appreciate sport paired with culture and hospitality.
Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games
Nothing compares to the scale and spectacle of the Summer Games, and in 2028 they return to Los Angeles. As the world’s largest multi-sport event, the Games bring together athletes from around the globe to compete in everything from track and field to gymnastics, swimming, and newer events like surfing and skateboarding. Visitors can spend mornings on the beach, afternoons exploring Hollywood, and evenings cheering on athletes in world-class venues. With Southern California’s climate, cultural diversity, and endless attractions, these Games will be truly unforgettable.
Plan Your Sports Travel Journey
No matter which event tops your list — from championship football to global soccer, from the Kentucky Derby to the Summer Games — the next few years will overflow with opportunities to combine sports passion with travel adventure.
At Beyond the Castle Travel, we specialize in crafting seamless sports travel experiences. We handle the details — from hotels and transportation to VIP extras — so you can focus on the thrill of the game. If your dream is to be there when history happens, now is the time to start planning.
Start bringing your Sports Travel Living List to life with Beyond the Castle Travel. From securing the best hotels to arranging VIP extras, we’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on the excitement. Click below to begin your journey and turn once-in-a-lifetime sporting dreams into reality.
