Get ready for one of the biggest events of 2026 when the final World Athletics Championships take place in Budapest.
The 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest were full of many unforgettable moments. Noah Lyles won three gold medals in the sprint. Faith Kipyegon made history by securing the women’s 1500m and 5000m titles. Josh Kerr soared to men’s 1500m glory and Katarina Johnson-Thompson won the second global heptathlon title of her career.
All these moments unfolded at the Gyula Životsky National Athletics Center, an arena dedicated to sporting excellence. And now, this summer, many of the best athletes on the planet will return to the same place to create greatness again.
The inaugural World Athletics Championships will take place from 11-13 September at a spectacular location on the banks of the Danube, just a hop, skip and a jump from the heart of one of Europe’s great cities.
The National Athletics Center, innovatively designed to make a lasting impact and become a sports hub for the people of Budapest, will look a little different this time around. The arena’s temporary upper tier was removed to leave a circular plateau filled with entertainment venues accessible to the public.
It is the main competition venue and training center for Hungarian athletics, but is also used by youth and recreational athletes who can find training tracks, running tracks, street training and many other opportunities.
Fans will be able to witness the transformation and experience a unique atmosphere at the Ultimate Championship, launched by World Athletics with the guiding principle of ending each athletics season with a major world championship. It is intentionally designed to showcase top talent, such as Ultimate Stars Mondo Duplantis and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, in a fast-paced and dynamic structure built expressly with fans in mind.
There will be so much to see and do for spectators away from the action. Hosting a large number of major events, Budapest has become a popular destination for international sports and tourism thanks to its historical heritage, modern infrastructure and sustainability. Its rich culture dates back to Roman times and today is a melting pot of diversity.
The Hungarian capital is a city where everything you need is within reach, whether on foot or using extensive public transport links. It is in the heart of Europe and will also be at the heart of one of this summer’s great sporting festivals.
👉 Book tickets now via ultimateathleticschampionship.com
