Sports Predictions for 2026: What Could, Should and Might Happen

2025 was a monumental year for sports, marked by numerous memorable moments throughout the year. Luke Littler became the youngest winner of the PDC World Darts Championship, while in the world of golf, Rory McIlroy finally won the US Masters, completing the career Grand Slam in the process.

There were also some unpredictable moments, such as Aberdeen shocking Celtic in the Scottish Cup final back in May, winning 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in normal time and securing their first Scottish Cup in 35 years.

It is always difficult to predict what will happen in the upcoming sporting calendar, but that is exactly what we will attempt to do in this article. In total, there are nine sporting predictions for 2026: three likely outcomes, three that could happen, and three outlandish predictions.

🔮Sports Predictions that are Likely to Happen in 2026

Here are some predictions in the world of sports that are likely to happen in 2026.

Arsenal Win the Premier League

Arsenal look the strongest team in the Premier League title race at this moment in time. They are extremely solid defensively while also posing a major attacking threat, and their strength from set pieces is clear for all to see. At the time of writing, they are six points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa in the title race. This advantage, combined with their excellent form, makes them strong favourites to win the Premier League, ending their 22-year wait for a league title.

Kerry Retain the All-Ireland Football Championship

Kerry were by far the strongest team in the 2025 All-Ireland Football Championship, claiming their 39th title in the process. Their attacking firepower should see them retain the championship in 2026.

France Win the Six Nations

While many Irish fans would love to see Ireland win the 2026 Six Nations, France currently appears to be the strongest team in the competition and should once again lift the trophy, claiming their third title in five years.

🎈Sports Predictions for 2026 That Could Happen

Now we turn our attention to less likely predictions, but still very much possible in 2026:

Spain Win the 2026 World Cup

Spain head into the 2026 World Cup as one of the favourites following their Euro 2024 triumph. However, with so many strong contenders, this prediction sits firmly in the “could happen” category. Spain remain a formidable side and could repeat their 2010 World Cup success.

Limerick Win the All-Ireland Hurling Championship

Much to the surprise of many, Limerick have failed to win either of the last two All-Ireland Hurling Championships after claiming four in a row between 2020 and 2023, as well as winning in 2018. While their period of dominance may be fading, they are still strong enough to reclaim the title.

McIlroy Goes Back-to-Back at Augusta

Rory McIlroy finally achieved his golfing destiny in 2025 by winning the Masters and completing the career Grand Slam. With that pressure now lifted, he may benefit mentally heading into the next Masters and could become only the fourth player in history to win back-to-back green jackets.

✨Bold and Outlandish Sports Predictions for 2026

Finally, we look at some truly unlikely predictions for the upcoming year:

Fury vs Joshua Finally Happens

Once one of the most anticipated fights in boxing, it now appears the stars may never align. Tyson Fury has announced plans to come out of retirement in 2026, but following a recent car crash that left Anthony Joshua injured and tragically claimed the lives of two members of his team, this bout looks highly unlikely. Despite this, our outlandish prediction is that the fight will eventually happen by the end of 2026, potentially in December.

Ireland Reach the World Cup Knockout Stages

This prediction is driven more by hope than expectation. Ireland must first qualify by overcoming Czechia and then either Denmark or North Macedonia. Should they qualify, a group containing Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa would offer genuine hope of progressing to the knockout stages.

Gareth Southgate Becomes Manchester United Manager

Gareth Southgate has been linked with the vacant Manchester United managerial role, although several candidates appear to be ahead of him. United are expected to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season, after which we predict that Southgate could take over permanently. Southgate last managed at club level in 2009 with Middlesbrough, which adds to the unlikelihood of this prediction.

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