Top Sports Events for 2021
In the United Kingdom, there are many places where you can watch live sports matches while having a pint like The Cornershop Bar. However like everything else in 2020, the sporting world was thrown into chaos by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. After a tumultuous year of cancellations and curtailed seasons, let's look ahead to the top sporting events in 2021.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics (23rd July to 8th August)
After being postponed for the first time ever in Olympic history, the summer games will return in 2021. All eyes will be on Tokyo as teams from across the world compete for Olympic glory. This is the second time that Tokyo has hosted the games, after hosting the 1964 Olympics. Several facilities from that tournament are being reused in this incarnation.
The United States will be looking to maintain its position at the top of the medals table after taking first place in Rio 2016, while runners-up Great Britain and China attempt to close the gap. Tokyo will also play host to the 2020 Paralympic games (24th August - 5th September), becoming the first city to host two Paralympic contests.
Euro 2020 (11th June to 11th July)
Another international event postponed due to the pandemic, UEFA's foremost European tournament is back in 2021. This year's contest sees Portugal attempting to defend their 2016 title, but rivals Spain, Belgium, and England will all be eager to snatch this year's crown.
Wembley Stadium is set to be the stage for this year's final. However, with the tournament taking place in various cities across multiple European countries, the logistical challenges posed by Covid-19 may still dictate proceedings.
Rugby League World Cup (23rd October - 27th November)
Rugby League's foremost tournament returns for its 16th outing, as hosts England, runners-up last time out, lead the charge to take the crown away from 2017 champions Australia.
Despite being the titleholders, Australia, who are chasing their 12th World Cup win, are ranked 2nd behind New Zealand. Both will be favourites to hoist the Paul Barrière Trophy, with England snapping at their heels. This year's field has been expanded to 16 teams, with the additions of World Cup debutants Greece and Jamaica.