By Kwame Bediako
World Athletics has revealed that Botswana will host the 2026 World Relays, marking the first time an African country has been bestowed the honour. The event is scheduled to take place on May 2-3, 2026, and will showcase the world’s top athletes competing in relay events.
Botswana’s selection as host is a testament to the country’s growing reputation in the athletics world. Their men’s 4x400m quartet has enjoyed immense success, winning the World Relays Championship in the Bahamas and securing a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Last year, Botswana also won the men’s 4x400m gold medal at the World Relays, demonstrating their prowess in relay events.
The 2026 World Relays will provide a unique opportunity for Botswana to showcase its capabilities as a host nation and promote athletics development on the African continent. World Athletics’ decision to award the hosting rights to Botswana is a significant milestone in the country’s athletics history and is expected to have a lasting impact on the sport’s growth and popularity in the region.
In addition to announcing Botswana as the host of the 2026 World Relays, World Athletics also revealed that the 2028 edition of the event will be held in Nassau, Bahamas. This will mark the fifth time the Bahamas has hosted the World Relays, having previously done so in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2024.
