We may be approaching the end of 2026, but there’s still plenty on offer for sports fans. In fact, there are still championships to be decided across motorsport, baseball, tennis, and football. Here’s a look at 10 titles that are still up for grabs, as well as the leading contenders.
October: Baseball and UFC Take Centre Stage
October sees a focus on the World Series and two UFC fights. Both of these events offer opportunities for sporting history, with champions facing challengers and upsets being possible.
World Series – Starts 23 October
The Milwaukee Brewers are among the leading contenders after sweeping aside the Los Angeles Dodgers to reach their first World Series since 1982. They await the winner of the American League Championship Series between Cleveland and Tampa Bay, currently tied at 2-2. The World Series begins on 23 October, with a possible seventh game on 31 October. Milwaukee have never won the championship, making this a huge opportunity for the franchise.
UFC 333 – 24 October
Alexander Volkanovski defends his featherweight title against unbeaten Movsar Evloev in Abu Dhabi on 24 October. The fighters are evenly matched in the betting market, while Petr Yan is favoured to retain his bantamweight championship against Merab Dvalishvili. Both contests feature established champions facing dangerous opponents.
November: Motorsport, Rugby and Tennis Reach Their Conclusions
November sees several major championships come to a conclusion, including NASCAR’s last race and the Rugby World Cup. Tennis also features two tournaments, while South American football followers will get to see their new champion.
NASCAR Cup Series – 8 November
Kyle Larson leads the NASCAR championship heading into the final four races. He holds a 49-point advantage over Denny Hamlin. Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe are also pursuing the title, with the season coming to a close at Homestead-Miami Speedway on 8 November. The remaining races include Phoenix, Talladega and Martinsville.
NASCAR's restored Chase format rewards results across ten races rather than deciding everything in a single finale. For supporters who bet on sports, Larson's advantage shows why championship standings and individual race results need to be looked at differently. One poor finish could substantially reduce his lead.
Rugby League World Cup – 15 November
Australia entered the Rugby League World Cup as favourites, with the men's final scheduled for Brisbane on 15 November. The tournament began on 15 October and includes England, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga among the challengers. Australia are defending the title they won in 2022.
The competition also features women's and wheelchair tournaments, with both men's and women's finals taking place at Suncorp Stadium. The biggest question is whether another nation can interrupt Australia's longstanding dominance.
WTA Finals – 15 November
Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka are among the leading contenders for the WTA Finals, taking place at Indian Wells from 8 to 15 November. Eight singles players qualify for the tournament, which begins with round-robin matches before the knockout stages.
Rybakina defeated Sabalenka in the 2025 final, raising the possibility of another meeting between the pair. However, the qualifying field includes other leading players capable of challenging both contenders.
ATP Finals – 22 November
Carlos Alcaraz is among the leading contenders for the ATP Finals, scheduled for Turin from 15 to 22 November. Eight qualified singles players compete in round-robin groups before the semi-finals and championship match. The tournament offers a prestigious conclusion to the men's tennis season.
Indoor hard courts provide a different challenge from the outdoor tournaments played throughout much of the year. Alcaraz will need to adapt against opponents whose powerful serving and attacking games suit the conditions.
Copa Libertadores – 28 November
Flamengo and Palmeiras are among the leading contenders for South America's biggest club trophy, with the final scheduled for 28 November in Montevideo. Both clubs remain involved in the semi-finals alongside Estudiantes and Fluminense. The second legs take place on 21 and 22 October.
An all-Brazilian final remains possible, although Estudiantes could prevent that outcome. The championship will be decided in a single match at the Estadio Centenario, leaving little room for mistakes.
Davis Cup – 29 November
Italy are leading contenders for the Davis Cup, with the Final 8 taking place in Bologna from 24 to 29 November. The defending champions face South Korea in their quarter-final, while Great Britain meet Germany. Spain, Canada, Czechia and Austria complete the field.
Italy's home advantage strengthens their prospects, although team selection could influence the results. Britain's opening contest against Germany provides an immediate test of their championship ambitions.
December: Formula 1 and Snooker Provide the Final Headlines
Two major championships conclude in early December, offering contrasting routes to success. Formula 1 has a commanding points leader, while snooker's UK Championship will be decided through knockout matches. Both could produce significant achievements.
Formula 1 World Championship – 6 December
Kimi Antonelli is the clear favourite for the Formula 1 drivers' championship, leading George Russell by 102 points after Singapore. Six races remain, with the season concluding in Abu Dhabi on 6 December. Antonelli could secure the title as early as Austin on 25 October.
The Mercedes driver is also pursuing Sebastian Vettel's record as Formula 1's youngest world champion. At 20, Antonelli could establish a new benchmark while securing his first drivers' championship.
UK Snooker Championship – 6 December
The UK Championship takes place at York Barbican from 27 November to 6 December, with Judd Trump and Zhao Xintong among the established contenders. The tournament is one of snooker's three Triple Crown events, alongside the Masters and World Championship. Its knockout format leaves little protection against an inspired opponent.
What Should Sports Fans Watch?
The remaining calendar offers contrasting championship battles, from Antonelli and Larson protecting points advantages to knockout competitions where one result can change everything. Some titles will be settled within days, while others could remain undecided until December.
If you’re looking to wager, you should check current standings and updated odds, as things are always changing as events approach. Remember, always gamble responsibly, set affordable limits and never chase losses.