SerpApi.Org
The 2026 World Cup delivered unparalleled excitement that will have sports fans reliving moments and retelling stories for years to come.
Now with the global tournament finished, it naturally leaves sports fans wanting more. Well, they won't have to look too far down the calendar with MLB in its summer swing along with various forms of motorsports raging on.
Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
Before we know it, both collegiate and NFL football will soon return with NHL hockey and NBA basketball slotting into the mix as well.
For those looking to plan their next sports experience in the near future, we narrowed down a list of the top five events to attend in 2026 to help fill that void.
Top five sporting events to attend in 2026
1. Brickyard 400 (NASCAR, July 26)
Coming up in late July, one of the NASCAR Cup Series' crown jewel races takes center stage at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway as drivers have one thing in mind—having the chance to kiss the yard of bricks on the frontstretch.
2. New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks (NFL, Sept. 9)
A Super Bowl rematch to kick off the 2026 NFL season in Seattle is the perfect way to ring in NFL football. For Seahawks fans, it's a great way to celebrate the team's Super Bowl victory one last time as opening night is typically the team's banner-raising ceremony prior to kickoff.
New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks NFL ticket
Plan your trip to Seattle for opening night of the NFL season!
3. Texas vs. Ohio State (NCAA Football, Sept. 12)
You could easily add Ohio State vs. Michigan to this list or countless other rivalry games. However, two potential two National Championship favorites and Heisman Trophy frontrunners facing off in primetime at the start of the season? That's a football fan's dream with Texas vs. Ohio State.
Texas vs. Ohio State college football tickets
Arguably one of the games of the year, get your Texas vs. Ohio State tickets before they skyrocket in price!
4. Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes (NHL, Sept. 29)
Opening day for the NHL starts with a matchup between the last two Stanley Cup champions with the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Florida Panthers. The Hurricanes will hoist their championship banner as well at the Lenovo Center.
Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes NHL tickets
Reserve your seat today to watch the defending Stanley Cup champs host the Florida Panthers on opening day.
5. Las Vegas Grand Prix (F1, Nov. 21)
While Formula 1 continues to make a larger footprint in the U.S., one of the sport's top events of late has been the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Held annually at night on the Las Vegas Strip, it's a great way to experience Sin City in its entirety.
Las Vegas Grand Prix F1 tickets
Experience F1 at night in Las Vegas featuring some of the stars of racing.
Who won 2026 World Cup?
Spain beat the defending World Cup champions in Argentina after winning 1-0 in the World Cup finals. It was Spain's second World Cup title and first since 2010.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Now that the World Cup is over, here are five must-see U.S. sporting events
