From the Rio Carnival to the unprecedented World Cup: The 12 sporting and musical events to watch in 2026

The new year has arrived, bringing with it new opportunities to enjoy great sporting and musical events in different parts of the world.

Without a doubt, the highlight of the calendar is the FIFA World Cup, which this year will be held between June 11 and July 19 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

This unprecedented championship will feature 48 teams for the first time and will be played in three countries (the previous tournament, held in Korea and Japan in 2002, was the only one hosted by more than one country). Assist Card, a leading comprehensive travel assistance company, offers the best coverage for safe and worry-free travel.

“Even though the Chilean national team hasn’t qualified, we know that the World Cup will attract the interest of thousands of travelers from Chile and all over the world, so we offer a wide variety of products and the best service to keep you safe and protected at all times,” explains Renzo Caldarella, Direct Sales Manager of Assist Card Chile.

Tennis and Samba to kick off the year

January will kick off with all the action and tradition of the Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. Oceania is preparing to welcome the best tennis players: Italy's Jannik Sinner will look to defend his title, while American Madison Keys will do the same in the women's category.

February? Carnival month in Rio de Janeiro, the biggest in the world, attracting thousands of tourists from all over, offering an explosion of color, samba and street parties throughout the city.

March not only brings patent and registration fees, it can also be the perfect month for a getaway to enjoy Lollapalooza in Brazil or Argentina, with a lineup of bands that guarantees intensity and excitement at all times.

Later in the calendar, April offers a great chance to witness the Masters Tournament in Augusta, one of the "Grand Slam" tournaments in world golf, which will take place in the United States between the 9th and 11th of the same month.

For football fans, the perfect appetizer before the World Cup, which will take center stage in June and July, comes in May: it's the Champions League final in Budapest, an unforgettable experience for any fan, so many are already thinking about a trip to the Old Continent.

After the football hangover, in August you can enjoy Rave The Planet in Berlin, an iconic electronic music festival that replaced the historic Love Parade, which started in 1989. The magic of music, but this time with a stronger rock influence, continues with Rock in Rio in September.

Finally, the last quarter of the year is highlighted by the Formula One United States Grand Prix in October, the Copa Libertadores final in November, and a trip to New York in December to experience all the magic of Christmas events and concerts. All these events can be enjoyed safely with Assist Card.

Fuente: Assist Card.