Volleyball England statement on beach volleyball's omission from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

The 10 sports that will feature were announced this morning (Tuesday 22nd October) and include athletics, swimming, artistic gymnastics, netball, cycling, boxing, weightlifting, judo, bowls and 3x3 basketball. 

England’s Javier and Joaquin Bello claimed a bronze medal at the hugely popular beach volleyball event at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. 

Volleyball England statement 

“As a sports enthusiast, I welcome the news today that the Commonwealth Games will go ahead in 2026 and, for my colleagues in other sports, I am pleased to see their inclusion. 

“I am, however, bitterly disappointed that beach volleyball isn’t one of the sports selected, especially given the time and effort that our close friends at Volleyball Scotland poured in to try and make it happen. 

“The Bello brothers made history in Birmingham as they won England’s first ever beach volleyball medals and have since built on this success by solidifying their position in the world rankings, with excellent performances on the FIVB Beach Pro Tour. 

“In addition, we have worked hard to develop and enhance the beach infrastructure/pathway and recently hosted our first senior international beach event (Queen & King of the Court) in London, which provided opportunities for elite and emerging talented athletes to compete against some of the world’s best. 

“The exclusion of beach volleyball from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is a major setback for the sport, our athletes and the progressions we are striving to make.  

“My hope is that Commonwealth Games England and Sport England will continue to work with us to provide alternative and appropriate competitive experiences for our athletes in support and pursuit of our performance aims.”

Charlie Ford, Volleyball England Chief Executive Officer