Victoria withdraws from hosting 2026 Commonwealth Games
Premier Daniel Andrews announces decision due to rising costs
Organizers and regional centers express disappointment
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are now in jeopardy after the Australian state of Victoria canceled its plans to host the event. Premier Daniel Andrews made the announcement on Tuesday, citing rising costs as the reason for the decision.
"This was a difficult decision, but it was the right one for Victoria," Andrews said. "The cost of hosting the Games has escalated significantly since we first bid for them, and we can no longer justify the expense."
The decision has been met with disappointment from organizers and regional centers. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) said it was "extremely disappointed" by the news, while the City of Geelong, which was set to host the majority of the events, said it was "devastated."
"We were all looking forward to hosting the Games in Victoria," said Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher. "This is a huge loss for our city and for the entire state."
The CGF is now working to find a new host for the Games. Brisbane, Australia, and Hamilton, Canada, are both seen as potential candidates.
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