Preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games have taken a major step forward with the official opening of media accreditation for journalists and broadcasters across the Commonwealth. The accreditation portal will go live on Monday, 26 January 2026 at 09:00 GMT, giving media professionals the opportunity to apply for access ahead of one of the world’s most historic multi-sport events.
According to the Glasgow 2026 Organising Committee, applications must be submitted online via the official Games media platform. All applicants will undergo a comprehensive vetting process before final accreditation decisions are made.
In an official announcement, organisers confirmed that accredited journalists will enjoy wide-ranging access throughout the Games period, including competition and training venues, the Games Media Hub, press conferences, and other key operational facilities.
Media personnel including journalists, photographers and non-rights-holding broadcasters are strongly encouraged to begin their applications early. The accreditation window will remain open until 23:59 BST on 24 April 2026, after which late submissions are unlikely to be considered.
Applicants with enquiries regarding eligibility, documentation, or timelines have been advised to contact the Media Operations team directly via mediaoperations@glasgow2026.com. The organisers concluded by expressing their anticipation of welcoming media representatives from across the Commonwealth to Scotland in the summer of 2026.
A Games Rich in History
The Commonwealth Games, first held in 1930 as the British Empire Games, have grown into a major global sporting festival, bringing together athletes from more than 70 nations and territories. Glasgow previously hosted the Games in 2014, earning praise for its vibrant atmosphere, strong organisation, and lasting sporting legacy — a benchmark organisers aim to surpass in 2026.
African Excellence on the Commonwealth Stage
The most recent Commonwealth Games, held in Birmingham in 2022, showcased Africa’s continued rise as a sporting powerhouse. Nations such as Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and Ghana all left a strong mark on the medal table.
Ghana, in particular, has a proud Commonwealth Games legacy, especially in boxing and athletics. Ghanaian boxers have historically delivered medals dating back to the 1960s, while the country celebrated a standout moment in Birmingham when Joseph Paul Amoah won gold in the men’s 100 metres, reaffirming Ghana’s sprinting pedigree. High jumpers, weightlifters and female boxers have also contributed to Ghana’s growing medal haul in recent editions.
African Athletes Who Made History
Beyond the Commonwealth Games, African athletes have shaped global sport through record-breaking performances:
• Wayde van Niekerk (South Africa) holds the men’s 400m world record, set at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
• Kelvin Kiptum (Kenya) rewrote marathon history with a world record time of 2:00:35, continuing East Africa’s dominance in long-distance running.
• Ethiopian and Kenyan runners have consistently set world and Games records across middle- and long-distance events.
• African weightlifters and boxers have also claimed multiple Commonwealth and Olympic medals, underlining the continent’s all-round sporting excellence.
As anticipation builds toward Glasgow 2026, the Games are expected to once again spotlight African talent, Ghanaian resilience, and the enduring spirit of competition that defines the Commonwealth Games.
