Glasgow 2026: Opening Ceremony on Thursday night... as the real action gets underway

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Updated: 10:33 EDT, 23 July 2026 And so it begins... 12 years after Glasgow last hosted the Commonwealth Games, it is back. Downsized, for sure, but will it again capture the public's imagination as it did so magnificently in 2014? Only time will tell but the Opening Ceremony, held indoors at the city's Hydro Arena on Thursday night, will perhaps give an early indication of what to expect. The King will open the Games and there will also be an appearance from sporting royalty in the shape of the legendary Sir Chris Hoy. Sexy and aggressive (HER WORDS!) sprinter Amy Hunt reveals how 'radical confidence' helped her gatecrash world's elite... and now she's going for Glasgow gold The live action is already underway...For the first time in history, the Games are not on the Beeb, so where can you watch Glasgow 2026?Perhaps controversially, the BBC won't be showing the action from this year's Commonwealth Games. The money is going elsewhere. Well, Wayne Rooney's suits don't come for free, do they?!But armchair fans won't necessarily miss out... On Friday, there is action from swimming, basketball, boxing, powerlifting and gymnastics live on TNT Sports 2 from 8.30am and TNT Sports 4 at 6.30pm. BBC Alba will also be showing some of the action. ... although some stars have fallenKatarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith are among the latest big names to withdraw from the Commmonwealth Games in Glasgow.The duo are among nine members of the England athletics team to pull out on the day of the opening ceremony in a major blow to the competition’s organisers.Fellow Olympic medallists Matthew Hudson-Smith and Daryll Neita have also announced their withdrawals alongside Amber Anning, Zac Sneddon, Anna Purchase, Elliot Giles and Jona Efoloko.Johnson-Thompson had been expected to target a hat-trick of Commonwealth Games titles having previously won gold in both Gold Coast and Birmingham.The reason for her withdrawal was not immediately stated, although it is presumed she is prioritising the European Championships which are set to take place in Birmingham next month.Big names are in the house...Adam Peaty is an even bigger name now... Adam Ramsay-Peaty indeed after his wedding to Holly Ramsay, daughter of famous Scottish chef and celebrity shouter Gordon Ramsay. The 31-year-old Englishman is a legend in the pool and the atmosphere is likely to be electric at Tollcross when the swimming starts on Friday.A cautionary tale for frisky athletes...Commonwealth Games stars issued STI warning by sexual health clinic after surge in patients at previous event - as expert tells athletes to bring their OWN condoms following shortage at the Winter OlympicsGames of Drones! The new House of the Dragon series and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games have both been honoured via a Game of Thrones dragon which has soared over the city for two mornings in a row.Sir Chris Hoy is in town...Need a reminder of 2014? It started with a bang!By Steven DonnLet the Games begin...By Steven DonnMuch like 2014, the sun is shining over Glasgow as the Commonwealth Games begin, with the Opening Ceremony taking place tonight. However, there's been some action already, with preliminary rounds in the bowls taking place at the SEC - and Prince Edward in attendance. TOP STORIES