Your Sports Travel Living List: The Biggest Events of 2026–2028
For years, people have talked about making a “bucket list” of dream experiences, but that phrase has started to feel outdated — and even a little grim since it’s tied to the idea of things to do before you die.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 has emerged that 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, from the timeless traditions of the Kentucky Derby and Wimbledon to the global spectacle of the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics, the calendar is stacked 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 the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This marks the first time the World Cup will be shared by three countries, creating unprecedented 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 trip to match their soccer passion and travel style — whether that’s sampling street tacos, exploring Niagara Falls, or hitting the beaches of Miami.
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. For sports travelers, the Derby is a chance to experience tradition and pageantry at its finest. 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 US 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.
Basketball and Women’s Soccer World Cups
Basketball fans have plenty to look forward to with the next FIBA Basketball World Cup on the horizon, often scheduled in the lead-up to the Olympic cycle. This global competition highlights both established stars and rising talent, creating a unique opportunity for fans to witness the game on an international stage. The Women’s World Cup, scheduled for 2027 with the host nation still to be determined, is another marquee event. With record attendance and rising global interest, it has become one of the most exciting tournaments in all of sports. Both events provide travelers the chance to explore international destinations while immersing themselves in fan culture that spans continents.
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 Summer Games bring together athletes from around the globe to compete in everything from track and field to gymnastics, swimming, and new-era sports like surfing and skateboarding. For travelers, Los Angeles offers an unmatched mix of experiences. You can spend your mornings on the beach, your afternoons exploring Hollywood, and your evenings cheering on athletes in world-class venues. With Southern California’s climate, cultural diversity, and endless attractions, this event is sure to be one of the most memorable Summer Games in history.
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 be full of 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 details so you can focus on the thrill of the game. Click below to begin your journey and turn once-in-a-lifetime sporting dreams into reality.
