Following a team meeting yesterday where we were planning the accreditation process for a major sporting tournament later this year, there was some lively debate at Accredit Solutions HQ regarding the sporting events people were most looking forward to in 2019.

Let’s face it, 2018 was an extravaganza for sports lovers all over the world. The FIFA World Cup in Russia, Winter Olympics in South Korea, Commonwealth Games in Australia, Asian Games in Indonesia, Hockey World Cup in India…

But don’t despair, 2019 looks like another bumper year for international sporting events. Here are our top seven to watch out for:

Special Olympics World Games

More than 7,000 athletes from 170 countries will compete, alongside 2,500 coaches and 20,000 volunteers. Hosted by Abu Dhabi from 14-21 March, it will be the first time the Games goes to the MENA region.

ICC Cricket World Cup

48 games in 11 venues will see 10 teams battle it out in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July.

FIFA Women’s World Cup

France are the host nation as the top 24 teams in the world battle it out for glory from 7 June – 7 July.

FIBA World Cup

It’s a World Cup year in basketball with China hosting the 32-team tournament from 31 Aug – 15 Sept.

Rugby World Cup

Rugby Union’s global expansion sees the World Cup heading to Japan from 20 Sept – 2 Nov.

IAAF World Athletics Championships

The 17th edition of the games will be hosted by Doha from 28 Sept to 9 Oct.

World Urban Games

These inaugural games will be held in Los Angeles and involve some 700 athletes across sports such as BMX Freestyle, Break Dancing, Parkour, 3×3 Basketball and Roller Freestyle.

Then before we know it we’ll be looking forward to the Tokyo Summer Olympics and the UEFA European Football Championship in 2020, before the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the IAAF World Championships in 2021.