Summer of sport in Southampton

From international cricket fixtures to big-screen football and active days in the city’s green spaces, Southampton is set for a packed summer of sport. Whether you’re heading to the Utilita Bowl for world-class matches, following the ICC Women's T20 World Cup and The Hundred, or catching the FIFA World Cup in one of the city’s favourite venues, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Beyond the stands and screens, Southampton offers space to get moving too from park runs and cycling routes to skate parks and watersports along the River Itchen. Add in great places to eat, drink and play, and you’ve got everything you need to plan a sport-filled visit.

Explore what’s on, where to watch, and how to make the most of a summer of sport in Southampton.

ICC Women’s T20 world cup

Building on the excitement from the Men’s cricket matches that recently concluded in March 2026, the Women’s matches are set to take place this summer and this year England and Wales are hosting cricket matches across seven venues, including Southampton's Utilita Bowl.

12 international teams will take to the cricket pitch this summer. From 2 June – 5 July, 33 matches over 24 days of non-stop cricket action is lined up, making it the largest field organised for the Women’s T20 world cup. Four match days are set to take place in the city at the start this summer including:

  • Saturday 13 June 2026
    • 6.30pm – West Indies VS New Zealand
  • Tuesday 16 June 2026
    • 2.30pm – New Zealand VS Sri Lanka
    • 6.30pm – England VS Ireland
  • Friday 19 June 2026
    • 6.30pm – New Zealand VS Ireland
  • Saturday 20 June 2026
    • 10.30am – Australia VS Netherlands
    • 2.30pm – Pakistan VS Bangladesh

For more information, including where to get tickets, head to our T20 page here. Will you 'catch the spirit'?

ICC Womens T20 World Cricket Fixtures

The Hundred

If you haven’t watched The Hundred before, you’re in for a treat! Unlike the T20, eight teams - both men’s and women’s squads - will compete in back-to-back matches over the course of five weeks, from 21 July – 16 August 2026. Featuring world-class players from around the globe, The Hundred is played with just 100 balls per inning making every ball crucial to get in as many runs as possible.

With Southern Brave women finishing as runners-up last year and the men’s side securing second place in 2024, there’s every reason to get behind the South’s team this summer as they push for the top spot. The four match days coming to Southampton’s Utilita Bowl this summer includes:

  • Wednesday 22 July 2026
    • 3pm - Southern Brave Women VS Welsh Fire Women
    • 6.30pm - Southern Brave Men VS Welsh Fire Men
  • Monday 27 July 2026
    • 3pm - Southern Brave Women VS MI London Women
    • 6.30pm - Southern Brave Men VS MI London Men
  • Thursday 30 July 2026
    • 3pm - Southern Brave Women VS Birmingham Phoenix Women
    • 6.30pm Southern Brave Men VS Birmingham Phoenix Men
  • Saturday 8 August 2026
    • 2.30pm - Southern Brave Women VS Manchester Super Giants Women
    • 6pm - Southern Brave Men VS Manchester Super Giants Men

Don't wait! Tickets are on sale now. Secure your seats here.

Cricket player jumping for joy on field of The Hundred match

FIFA World Cup 2026

The 23rd edition of The FIFA World Cup is back for 2026 and this time it’s kicking off across the pond in Canada, Mexico and USA. If you are not travelling for the matches, you can still catch all the action right here in Southampton in some of our fantastic pubs and bars and restaurants. Matches will be running from 11 June – 19 July 2026, with 48 teams going head-to-head on the field to take a crack at the world title. England’s First Stage match is set to take place on Wednesday 17 June against Croatia. Check back here soon to find out which local venues will be streaming games live. For a full list of fixtures click here.

Football on grassy field in front of collection of flags of the world including England, Wales, Portugal, Germany and more

 

Enjoy Southampton's green spaces

Southampton’s green spaces are a real highlight of the city, beautifully maintained all year round (they are Green Flag awarded, after all) but they truly come into their own during the summer months. When the sun is shining and the skies are clear, there’s no better setting to get active and enjoy your own summer of sport.

Across the Central Parks, you’ll find plenty of space to move at your own pace. Whether you’re heading out for a relaxed jog, working towards a new personal best, or simply enjoying the cooler shade beneath the trees, it’s an easy way to stay active outdoors.

Southampton Common

Man jumping in air with skateboard as another skateboarder films trick

If you’re drawn to wheels and ramps, Southampton’s skate parks are gradually being refreshed across the city. Hoglands Park will soon be home to a new concrete skate park, delivered in partnership with Southampton City Council, We Skate Southampton and John Hansard Gallery, alongside basketball courts for a quick game with friends. If you’re new to skating or looking to build confidence, We Skate Southampton is a welcoming, volunteer-led community group hosting regular, relaxed meet-ups.

Over in East Park, you’ll find even more ways to get moving, including a miniature golf course and hard court games area, perfect for a casual game of tennis or squash.

And if you fancy taking things onto the water, why not try a paddleboarding session along the River Itchen for a different perspective of the city?

For those looking for something a little more expansive, Southampton Common – just off The Avenue – offers 365 acres of open space. It’s ideal for walking, cycling, or even a spot of fishing, giving you the freedom to enjoy sport and activity in a more open, natural setting.

You can explore Southampton’s parks by facility to find the right spot for your next activity here.

For those looking to get their feet wet, you can take a dip at The Quays Swimming & Diving Complex. If you’re after a general workout, you’ll also find convenient city centre locations from PureGym and The Gym Group, making it easy to fit in a session around your plans.

Man using exercise bike in room2's gym

Did you know...

Southampton’s Old Bowling Green is one of the oldest surviving bowling greens in the world? Located on Lower Canal Walk, you can join in a game every Friday from 6pm – suitable for all ages and abilities. For more information click here.

Lawn bowling players waiting on green grass for match to start

Food, drink and live sport

Looking to catch the action while enjoying great food and drink? Southampton has plenty of spots where sport takes centre stage.

For live screenings, the city’s pubs and bars offer a lively backdrop for all the major tournaments. Venues like Shenanigans, Yates, The Cricketers Arms, The Grapes, London Road Brew House and O'Neill's are well known for their big screens and matchday buzz, making them ideal for soaking up the atmosphere with fellow fans. Over at Kwackers Kitchen & Sports Bar, you’ll also find screens throughout the venue, with some booths even offering your own personal screen – all paired with pints and Asian fusion dishes.

If you’d rather get involved yourself, there are plenty of places where you can mix socialising with a bit of friendly competition. Head to Rocket Ronnies for a game of pool or snooker, step up to the plate at 1st Base for batting cage action, or visit Sharkey's Sports Bar to enjoy drinks alongside pool tables, live sport and classic bar games. Find more places to eat, drink and play across the city here.

Inside of Shenanigans Irish bar with high tables and flags on the ceiling.

Getting into and around the city

Getting to Southampton is straightforward, whether you’re travelling in for a big match or planning a full day of activity.

Southampton Central railway station sits just a short walk from the city centre, with regular services connecting you to London, Winchester, Bournemouth and beyond. If you’re travelling by coach, Southampton Coach Station is also located in the heart of the city, making it easy to step straight into the action.

For those arriving by car, Southampton is well connected via the M3 and M27, with a number of city centre car parks available. Once you’re here, many of the key leisure and hospitality spots are within easy walking distance of each other.

To explore further afield, including some of the city’s larger venues, local bus services run frequently across Southampton. Bluestar Bus operates routes throughout the city and surrounding areas, offering a convenient way to get around without the need for a car.

If you’re heading to the Utilita Bowl, home to international cricket and major events, it’s easily accessible by road and public transport. Regular bus services run from the city centre, and the venue is also a short taxi journey away, making it simple to plan your visit whether you’re travelling light or with a group.

Birds eye view of train pulling out of Southampton Central Train station

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