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Ireland will learn its fate this year on whether we will be taking part in the FIFA World Cup. Stephen Gormley/INPHO
Quiz

Quiz: Do you know the big events scheduled for this year?

See how ready you are for the rest of the year.
10.01pm, 2 Jan 2026
19.8k
17

WE’RE INTO THE new year – it’s 2026, and we’re marking all the big events into the calendar. 

Last year was quieter than its predecessor in terms of elections, but we still had a presidential election, qualified for the playoffs for the World Cup (can you believe it?), and the storm to end all storms in Éowyn.

See how ready you are for the rest of the year.

Ireland is to take part in playoffs to decide whether we'll be able to take part in the World Cup this year. What month are playoffs?
©INPHO/Stephen Gormley
February
March

April
May
True or false: The Winter Olympics are taking place this year.
Alamy
True
False
Ireland will not be taking part in the Eurovision this year due to Israel's participation - but where will it be held?
Alamy
Vienna, Austria
Alamy
Budapest, Hungary

Alamy
Marseilles, France
Alamy
Sofia, Bulgaria
Which of these countries is NOT scheduled to be hold a parliamentary election this year?
Alamy
Hungary
Poland

Sweden
Scotland
Which of these countries adopted the euro as its currency yesterday?
Alamy
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Romania

Switzerland
Bulgaria
Which of these films will NOT be released this year?
Alamy
Supergirl
Wuthering Heights

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man
The Batman: Part II
Metallica will be playing two gigs in Dublin in June this year. What venue will they be playing?
Alamy
Aviva Stadium
Alamy
Croke Park

Alamy
Malahide Castle
Alamy
Marlay Park
There will be at least two by-elections this year to fill the vacated seats of Catherine Connolly (now President) and Paschal Donohoe (now of the World Bank). Which constituencies are these two seats in?
Government Information Service via Rollingnews.ie
Galway West and Dublin Bay South
Galway East and Dublin North-West

Galway West and Dublin Central
Galway East and Dublin South-Central
Which of these acts is not playing Electric Picnic this year?
Alamy
Hozier
Fatboy Slim

Niall Horan
The Kooks
True or false: Ireland will host the presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2026?
Alamy
True
False
Answer all the questions to see your result!
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Top Dog!
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Clever Cat!
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Flippin' Good!
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Baaaaaaaad
What are ewe doing?!
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Turtley Awful!
Shell of a bad effort
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