The last month in global sports delivered an extraordinary mix of history-making victories, continental achievements, emotional comebacks, and powerful sporting narratives from every corner of the world including the icy expanse of Antarctica

The world entered December with an energetic wave of sporting action across continents, reflecting the diversity of games that captivate global audiences. In Australia, November rolled directly into a high-intensity summer as the iconic 2025–26 Ashes series gathered international attention. The opening Test match at Perth Stadium lasted only two days, becoming one of the shortest in modern Ashes history. Travis Head delivered a commanding century that dominated England’s bowling attack, and the pitch was later rated “very good” by match officials despite the quick finish. As December began, Australia faced a small setback as opener Usman Khawaja was ruled out of the second Test at Brisbane due to a lower-back strain, with selectors turning again to Travis Head, who expressed his readiness to open the innings if required. Off the field, Cricket Australia defended its AUD 11.3 million loss for the previous fiscal year, affirming that international cricket schedules remain financially sustainable despite fluctuations.

The month also delivered major international sporting achievements --starting with a landmark moment in football as Haiti, Panama, and Curaçao successfully secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the CONCACAF pathway, marking one of the region’s most diverse qualification outcomes in recent memory. Tennis added its own historic chapter as Italy captured its third consecutive Davis Cup title with a commanding 2–0 victory over Spain in the 2025 final held in Bologna, reinforcing their dominance in the modern era of team tennis. Cricket celebrated a breakthrough on the global stage when India won the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup for the first time in history, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in an emotional and widely celebrated final that reshaped the narrative of women’s cricket. Adding to the month’s cricketing milestones, Virat Kohli reached his 52nd international century, a performance that further cemented his legendary status and highlighted his continued ability to rise to defining moments despite a slower rate of centuries in recent seasons

Meanwhile, across Australia’s wider sporting landscape, concerns grew around the state of the country’s top women’s soccer league. A major report released in mid-November warned that the league was “falling behind global peers” in terms of investment, wages, and international competitiveness. Talent drain and dropping viewership remain key challenges heading into December fixtures, with administrators now under pressure to bring reforms before the next transfer cycle. In rugby, the Dubai Sevens tournament delivered disappointment for Australia as both the men’s and women’s teams fell to New Zealand in their respective finals. The women's match was particularly one-sided, halting Australia's pursuit of a sixth consecutive title and signaling renewed dominance by the Black Ferns Sevens ahead of their December schedule.

Golf also delivered a significant highlight as Spain’s David Puig captured the 2025 Australian PGA Championship title on November 30, wrapping up the event with a composed and clinical performance. December brings Australia’s domestic golf swing into full motion, with players preparing for the Australian Open and summer pro-am circuits. In motorsport, attention turns toward Formula 1’s December break following the high-stakes conclusion of the 2025 season. With driver transfers, contract negotiations, and car development now dominating discussions, fans enter the month anticipating announcements that will shape the 2026 grid. Off-season training and tyre testing continue in Abu Dhabi, while teams prepare to unveil next year’s aerodynamic changes in January.

On the global stage, WWE enters one of its busiest periods, with December traditionally setting up storylines for the Royal Rumble. Rivalries intensify as champions defend titles on international tours across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. With crowds returning in full strength, WWE’s December live shows continue to see near-full attendance, particularly in India and Australia, where wrestling culture is rising rapidly. The month also continues the global Kabaddi calendar, with national leagues in India gearing up for playoff stages. Teams strengthen their tactical formations, blending raiding speed with defensive stability, and several emerging players are earning attention ahead of the national camps scheduled for early next year.

In handball, European leagues remain in full swing throughout December. The Champions League continues to deliver intense matchups, with Scandinavian and Balkan clubs performing strongly. The month is crucial as teams fight for mid-season standings, and international squads begin early planning for upcoming Olympic qualifiers. Squash too sees a series of December world tour events, with top-ranked players competing in Hong Kong, Doha and Manchester. The professional circuit remains highly competitive, and 2025 continues to spotlight players from Egypt and Malaysia, who have dominated the year’s rankings.

Athletics enters a quieter phase in December, but road races, winter track meets, and off-season training camps continue around the world. Many athletes shift their focus to indoor season preparation, with early-winter meets in Europe marking the start of the 2026 Olympic qualification period. Meanwhile, figure skaters travel through the final leg of the Grand Prix series into the Grand Prix Final held in early December. With artistry and technical excellence at the forefront, skaters from Japan, the US, and South Korea remain strong contenders. Amateur skating events across Europe also peak during this month as communities host seasonal ice festivals.

Volleyball maintains its global calendar as well, with Europe’s club competitions advancing through their group stages. South America continues its regional tournaments, especially in Brazil and Argentina, which remain volleyball powerhouses. In Asia, December marks key stages of club championships, including preparation for intercontinental events starting early next year.

In Antarctica, while mainstream team sports remain absent due to climate and environmental restrictions, the continent still witnessed major sporting achievements last month. The Antarctic Ice Ultra, held on 8 November 2025 at Ultima Basecamp, produced a new Antarctica continental record in the 100-mile category as ultrarunner Yusheng Ni completed the distance in an extraordinary 22 hours, 40 minutes and 47 seconds. Just days later, on 16 November, the second pilot event of the Antarctic Polar Race took place, featuring marathon-distance routes run directly on the icy terrain. These events continue to redefine endurance sport, attracting extreme-athletes seeking challenges beyond conventional racing conditions. December is set to bring the 20th-anniversary edition of the Antarctic Ice Marathon at Union Glacier, expected to draw elite runners from over 30 nations.

Globally, December also hosts several highlight sporting events. Football league calendars in Europe intensify as the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A approach mid-season. With transfer windows opening soon, every match carries extra significance. In the United States, the NBA’s Christmas games remain a cultural fixture, showcasing star-studded matchups with massive global viewership. The NFL also enters its decisive playoff race, making December one of the most important months on the American sporting calendar. Tennis players prepare for the Australian Open with off-season training, featuring exhibitions such as the United Cup and various charity matches across Dubai and Melbourne.

As December unfolds, the sports world stands energized across continents — from the scorching summer pitches of Australia to the icy endurance routes of Antarctica. Whether it’s cricket’s biggest rivalry, ultra-marathons at the edge of the world, high-drama WWE tours, or elite volleyball and squash circuits, the month remains packed with action, anticipation, and global sporting unity.