The year 2024 is set to be an exciting one in the world of sports, with a plethora of major events scheduled to take place across various disciplines. From football to tennis, rugby to athletics, and everything in between, sports enthusiasts will have plenty to look forward to. In this article, we’ll highlight 24 unmissable sporting events that are sure to captivate audiences worldwide. So mark your calendars and get ready for an action-packed year!
1. Africa Cup of Nations (13 January – 11 February)
The 34th edition of Africa’s biggest sporting event, the Africa Cup of Nations, was initially scheduled to be held in Ivory Coast between June and July 2023. However, due to weather concerns, it has been moved to the start of 2024. This tournament will see some of the biggest names in African football, including Mohamed Salah, André Onana, Achraf Hakimi, and Victor Osimhen, competing for glory. For Mohamed Salah, in particular, it’s a chance for redemption after Egypt’s heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Senegal in the 2022 final.
2. Australian Open (14 January – 28 January)
Melbourne will once again play host to the Australian Open, one of tennis’ most prestigious Grand Slam tournaments. All eyes will be on Novak Djokovic as he aims to win his 25th Grand Slam title, surpassing Margaret Court’s record. Rafael Nadal, returning from a year-long injury layoff, will also be a player to watch in the men’s draw. In the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka will be looking to defend her title after a dominant performance in the 2023 final.
3. Men’s & Women’s Six Nations (2 February – 16 March, 23 March – 27 April)
Four months after suffering heartbreak at the Rugby World Cup, the northern hemisphere’s finest teams will gather to compete in the Men’s and Women’s Six Nations tournaments. Ireland, fresh off their Grand Slam victory in 2023, will face a tough opening game against France in Marseille. England, the reigning Women’s Six Nations champions, will look to continue their winning streak after sealing the Grand Slam in front of a record crowd at Twickenham in 2023.
4. Super Bowl LVIII (11 February)
The Super Bowl, American football’s biggest event, will be held at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by head coach Andy Reid and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, will be aiming for their fourth Super Bowl appearance in the past five years. All eyes will also be on the halftime show, which is set to be headlined by the talented Usher.
5. Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk (17 February)
After much anticipation, Tyson Fury will finally face Oleksandr Usyk in a highly anticipated heavyweight boxing showdown. Fury, coming off a controversial victory against Francis Ngannou, will aim to become boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999. Usyk, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, will provide a tough challenge for Fury. This fight promises to be a thrilling encounter.
6. Formula One World Championship (2 March – 8 December)
The Formula One season is set for significant changes in 2024. With a record 24 races on the calendar, including back-to-back races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, fans can expect an action-packed season. Max Verstappen and Red Bull were dominant in 2023, and all indications point to another strong performance from them in 2024.
7. The Masters (11 April – 14 April)
Golf enthusiasts will have their eyes on Augusta as the Masters Tournament returns in 2024. Spanish golfer Jon Rahm will be looking to defend his title after a thrilling victory in 2023. The likes of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler will also be contenders, hoping to make their mark in one of golf’s most prestigious events. The possibility of Tiger Woods making a return to Masters action adds another layer of excitement to the tournament.
8. England Women vs. Pakistan Women Twenty20 Series (11 May – 19 May)
The English women’s cricket team will kick off their international summer with a three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan. This series marks the growth of women’s cricket in England, with the matches set to take place at iconic venues such as Edgbaston, Northampton, and Headingley. It’s a chance for fans to see their heroes in action and for England to continue their strong performances in the T20 format.
9. Women’s Champions League Final (25 May)
The San Mamés stadium in Bilbao will be the stage for the Women’s Champions League final, the pinnacle of women’s club football in Europe. After Barcelona’s thrilling comeback in the 2023 final, where they overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Wolfsburg, the expectations for this year’s final are high. English hopes rest with Chelsea, who will be aiming for their first Women’s Champions League triumph.
10. Men’s Champions League Final (1 June)
Wembley Stadium will host the Men’s Champions League final, where the best teams in European football will battle it out for glory. Manchester City, the reigning champions, will be looking to retain their crown and continue their dominance. With other strong contenders like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the mix, this final promises to be a spectacle of top-level football.
11. Men’s Twenty20 World Cup (4 June – 30 June)
For the first time, the United States of America will host the Men’s Twenty20 World Cup, aiming to promote the growth of cricket beyond its traditional borders. With 20 teams participating, including reigning champions England, the tournament will provide plenty of thrilling matches. England will be looking to make amends for their disappointing performance in the recent 50-over World Cup and defend their title in the shortest format of the game.
12. Euro 2024 (14 June – 14 July)
Germany will host a major men’s football tournament for the first time since the 2006 World Cup. The Euro 2024 promises to be a fiercely contested competition, with teams like England, France, and the Netherlands vying for the title. Scotland, having qualified for a second successive Euros, will face the hosts in the opening game. With top-level talent on display, this tournament will be a feast for football fans.
13. Royal Ascot (18 June – 22 June)
Royal Ascot, one of the highlights of the horse racing calendar, will once again captivate audiences with its blend of world-class racing and high fashion. Expect to see some of the best horses, jockeys, and trainers competing for prestigious titles. This event provides an opportunity for punters and racing enthusiasts to witness thrilling races and soak up the unique atmosphere.
14. Tour de France & Tour de France Femmes (29 June – 21 July, 12 August – 18 August)
The Tour de France, cycling’s most iconic race, will see its 111th edition taking place in Italy for the first time. The Grand Départ in Florence and the race’s conclusion in Nice promise to provide stunning backdrops for this prestigious event. Fans can expect fierce competition between top cyclists like Jonas Vingegaard and Mark Cavendish, who will be aiming to break the record for the most stage wins.
In addition, the Tour de France Femmes, the women’s equivalent of the race, will commence in Rotterdam and promises to showcase the growing popularity and talent in women’s cycling. The third edition of this race has been delayed due to the Olympics but is expected to be a thrilling competition.
15. Wimbledon (1 July – 14 July)
Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world, returns for another year of thrilling matches and memorable moments. After the dramatic 2023 edition, which saw Marketa Vondrousova and Carlos Alcaraz claim their maiden titles, expectations are high for 2024. British players like Katie Boulter and Cameron Norrie will be hoping to make a deep run in their home Grand Slam.
16. England Men vs. West Indies Men Test Series (10 July – 30 July)
England’s men’s cricket team returns to red-ball action on home soil for the first time since the Ashes, facing West Indies in a highly anticipated Test series. With matches scheduled at iconic venues like Lord’s, Trent Bridge, and Edgbaston, fans can expect a fierce battle between two talented teams. England will be without the services of Stuart Broad, who recently retired from the sport, but will still pose a formidable challenge.
17. The Open (18 July – 21 July)
Golf’s oldest major, The Open Championship, returns to Royal Troon in 2024. This iconic tournament has seen its fair share of thrilling moments and intense competition throughout the years. Golfers like Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler will be aiming to etch their names into golfing history by winning the coveted Claret Jug.
18. Olympics (26 July – 11 August)
The 2024 Summer Olympics, hosted by Paris, is set to be a grand celebration of sport and unity. Athletes from around the world will come together to compete in a wide array of disciplines, including four new sports: breakdancing, skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing. British athletes such as Keely Hodgkinson, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, and Zharnel Hughes will be among the contenders to watch in track and field events.
19. Paralympics (28 August – 8 September)
Following the Summer Olympics, the Paralympics will take center stage in Paris. With 22 sports and over 4,400 athletes participating, this event showcases the incredible abilities and determination of para-athletes. Great Britain’s wheelchair rugby team will be looking to defend their gold medal, while athletes in other disciplines will aim to inspire and break records.
20. Women’s Twenty20 World Cup (September – October)
The ninth edition of the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup will be hosted by Bangladesh. Australia, the dominant force in women’s cricket, will be favorites to clinch the trophy for a record seventh time. However, with the retirement of Meg Lanning, other teams will see an opportunity to challenge their supremacy. England, fresh from a series of T20 fixtures, will be aiming to make a strong impression and defend their crown.
21. Solheim Cup (10 September – 15 September)
Golf fans will be treated to the Solheim Cup, the premier women’s team event in golf, just a year after the previous edition. Europe will be aiming to win the trophy for the fourth consecutive time as they take on the United States at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia. Captained by Suzann Pettersen and Stacy Lewis respectively, both teams will be eager to claim victory in this fiercely competitive tournament.
22. Super League Grand Final (12 October)
Rugby league fans won’t want to miss the Super League Grand Final, where the best teams in the competition battle it out for glory. Wigan Warriors, having clinched the title for the first time in five years, will be aiming to defend their crown. With the World Club Challenge against Penrith Panthers also on the horizon, Wigan’s players will be looking to make a statement on the international stage as well.
23. Cycling World Championships (16 October – 20 October)
The Ballerup Super Arena in Denmark will host the Cycling World Championships, showcasing the best riders in various disciplines. Great Britain, coming off a successful campaign in 2023, will be aiming to continue their dominance in track cycling. With qualifying events in the team pursuit kicking off the action, fans can expect thrilling races and fierce competition.
24. Weightlifting World Championships (November – December)
Bahrain will host the Weightlifting World Championships for the first time, marking a significant moment for the sport in the country. With athletes competing in 20 weight categories, including 10 for men and 10 for women, China will once again be the country to beat after their impressive performance in the 2023 championships. Expect to witness incredible displays of strength and determination from the world’s top weightlifters.
With so many exciting sporting events on the horizon, sports fans around the world have plenty to look forward to in 2024. From football tournaments to golf majors, cricket championships to cycling races, there is something for everyone. So, mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready to witness the thrill and excitement of these unmissable sporting spectacles.
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