Baku Named World Capital of Sport for 2026

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, has officially been declared the World Capital of Sport for 2026.

To mark the occasion, an official signing ceremony for the World Capitals of Sport commemorative plaque took place on December 11, attended by state officials and representatives of the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation (ACES Europe), The Caspian Post reports, citing local media.

During the ceremony, the prestigious title of World Capital of Sport was formally handed over from Monaco to Baku.

Head of the Baku City Executive Power, Eldar Azizov, expressed pride in the city’s selection as World Capital of Sport for 2026. He highlighted the dynamic development of sports in Azerbaijan, made possible through the continuous attention and support of President Ilham Aliyev. Azizov noted that sports infrastructure and opportunities have expanded substantially across all regions of the country.

Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov highlighted Azerbaijan’s strong international reputation as a reliable host of major sporting events. He stated that Baku is expected to welcome even more large-scale international competitions in the coming year.

President and Founder of ACES Europe, Gian Francesco Lupattelli, emphasized that Baku has consistently played an important role in advancing sports development. He emphasized that the city stands out for its modern and high-quality sports infrastructure.

ACES Europe (Association of European Capitals and Cities of Sport) is a Brussels-based non-profit organization that recognizes cities, regions, and capitals that promote sport as a tool for social integration, well-being, and improved quality of life. The organization works in partnership with the European Commission’s European Week of Sport and UNESCO to support sports policies grounded in ethical values and sustainable development. ACES Europe awards titles such as World Capital of Sport and European Capital of Sport to communities demonstrating responsible and ethical approaches to sports that positively impact society.