What's ahead in 2026: Flying taxis, key elections, and going round the Moon
From key elections and major sporting events through to technological breakthroughs and natural wonders, there is a lot in store in 2026
January
If the rapid expansion and adoption of artificial intelligence left you breathless in 2025, the change will only intensify this coming year. The Consumer Electronics Show in Los Angeles, an annual bellwether of major trends and upcoming devices, is expected to see major automotive brands unveil new models with advanced AI co-pilots, while HP is tipped to showcase a 3D printer that can produce unique, AI-designed physical objects in real-time.
February
It has been more than half a century since humans last paid a visit to our lunar neighbour, so NASA’s Artemis II mission is likely to capture the imagination of budding scientists and explorers young and old. The endeavour, which will send four astronauts around the Moon. The timings of the launch will depend on a range of conditions. The mission was originally scheduled to get underway in April, but NASA has said it could blast off as early as 5 February.
March
In an age of virtual and augmented reality, one corner of Japan is offering a refreshingly old school way for visitors to step back in time and experience the nation’s Edo period, which began in the early 17th century. For years, Uzumasa Kyoto Village has operated as a movie set, but come the end March it is scheduled to reopen as an immersive theme park, allowing people to enjoy live shows and even partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
April
Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party will look to consolidate his power in Hungarian elections that will have significant repercussions for Europe and the rest of the world. Having held office since 2010, Mr Orban’s strongman politics have helped him win the close support of US president Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and his nation’s crucial EU veto has effectively held the bloc’s foreign policy hostage, particularly when it comes to Ukraine. As things stand, Mr Orban’s is trailing the Tisza party in the polls, but it would be premature to bet against him.
May
In the grand scheme of things, the Eurovision Song Contest is usually a distraction from day-to-day events but the 2026 iteration promises to be a watershed moment that makes a mockery of its self-professed non-political nature. With a host of nations announcing they will be boycotting the event in protest at Israel’s participation, its budget - and standing - has taken a blow. The fallout has also sparked calls for radical reform of the contest, with some critics arguing that the winner should be decided solely by the public vote.
June
After nearly three decades of heartbreak, Scotland’s men’s team will grace the greatest stage of world football by taking part in the FIFA World Cup. Steve Clarke’s team will begin their tourney with a match against Haiti, followed by games with Brazil and Morocco. For members of the Tartan Army, whether they are planning to travel across the Atlantic or stay at home, it promises to be an exciting, tense, and expensive few weeks.
July
Plans to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the US have been underway for the best part of a decade, with a non-partisan commission arranging a slew of commemorative activities, from the casting of a new public bell to large-scale events in Boston, Philadelphia and New York. But it is reasonable to expect divergent and contested versions of history, not least because President Donald Trump has set up its own taskforce for the semiquincentennial, which has already drawn criticism from historians for its use of AI.
August
If you are looking to block out the sun’s rays in summer 2026, Spain is probably the place to go. An unusual place, you might think, but skywatchers believe northern swathes of the country will provide the best place to witness what will be only the second total eclipse in continental Europe in as many decades. Iceland will also draw large crowds of tourists for the event given the points of greatest duration and greatest eclipse will occur just off its western coast.
September
For fans of George Lucas and the sprawling, fantastical Star Wars universe he created, the long-awaited opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art promises to be a treasure trove. The 300,000 square feet complex, which resembles one of the spaceships Mr Lucas first envisioned more than five decades ago, will feature more than 40,000 film artifacts, posters, and illustrations. If lightsabres aren’t your thing, fear not. As is befitting the institution’s name, Mr Lucas has promised the exhibits will include a diverse range of art, including paintings by Frida Kahlo and Norman Rockwell.
October
How long would it take you to count to 1.46 billion? Well, a phalanx of administrators in India will find out this year. For the first time in a generation, a new census of the world’s most populous country will get underway, spanning bustling cities, remote deserts, and hard to access jungles. The huge undertaking, crucial for policy planning, will see around 3.5 million people knocking on doors and drawing up data. The latest iteration of the census will also set a precedent by gathering numbers about caste in a development that could shake up Indian politics.
November
The battle for the US mid-term elections is already underway, and as is always the case in the US, the results will depend largely on the dollar. If Mr Trump’s continued tariffs programme continues to exact pain on ordinary consumers, a weaker economy could play into the hands of retaking the House of Representatives and providing a degree of checks and balance to curb the White House’s extraordinary power.
December
Never one to be outdone for ostentatious gestures, Dubai is set to become the first city in the world to offer a flying taxi service in 2026. Despite having an extensive road network, including six-lane highways, the UAE city is beset by gridlock, a problem that Californian tech firm Joby Aviation - no sniggering at the back - believes it can help solve with its S4 air taxis. The fleet will take off and land at four vertiports acros Dubai, with the launch date expected towards the end of the year.
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