The Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 26, 2026, in London, England. The awards will recognise the world's best footballers, coaches and clubs across men's and women's categories. The ceremony will be held at the London Palladium Theatre, marking the first time the prestigious football awards are being hosted in London.

What is the Ballon d’Or 2026?

The Ballon d’Or is one of football’s most prestigious individual honours, awarded to players in recognition of their performances during the previous season.

Ballon d’Or 2026: Date, Time And Venue

• Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
• Venue: London Palladium Theatre, London, England
• Ceremony time: 8 pm GMT
• Time in India: 1:30 am IST on Tuesday, October 27
• Hosts: Thierry Henry and Kate Scott

The 2026 edition marks the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, which was first awarded in 1956.

What time to watch Ballon d’Or 2026 in India

The Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony will begin at 1:30 AM IST on Tuesday, October 27, in India. The event is scheduled for Monday, October 26, at 8 PM GMT at the London Palladium in London.

What time to watch Ballon d’Or 2026 in US

The Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony will begin at 3 PM ET (Eastern Time) on Monday, October 26, in the United States, with the event taking place at the London Palladium in London.

Where to watch Ballon d’Or 2026

Football fans in India can watch the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony live for free on DAZN India. Live coverage and updates will also be available on the official Ballon d’Or website.

Ballon d’Or 2026: Men’s contenders

The candidates are Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Ousmane Dembele, Luis Diaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel, Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Yamal, Sadio Mane, Marquinhos, Lautaro Martinez, Mbappe, Nuno Mendes, Messi, Joao Neves, Michael Olise, Willian Pacho, Julian Quinones, Declan Rice, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, William Saliba, Ferran Torres, Dayot Upamecano, Vinicius Jr and Vitinha.

Ballon d’Or 2026: Women’s contenders

The nominees are Selma Bacha, Barbra Banda, Klara Buhl, Esmee Brugts, Mariona Caldentey, Scarlett Camberos, Kerstin Casparij, Temwa Chawinga, Cata Coll, Melchie Dumornay, Caroline Graham Hansen, Alex Greenwood, Patri Guijarro, Pernille Harder, Yui Hasegawa, Rose Lavelle, Mapi Leon, Lorena, Melvine Malard, Manaka Matsukubo, Vivianne Miedema, Pajor, Claudia Pina, Putellas, Wendie Renard, Alessia Russo, Shaw, Momoko Tanikawa, Caroline Weir and Tessa Wullaert.

What Awards Are Presented at the Ballon d’Or?

Apart from the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or, the ceremony will feature 11 other awards recognising outstanding performances by players, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs, along with contributions to humanitarian and charitable causes. A total of 13 awards will be presented at Monday’s ceremony.

The awards include:

1. The Men's and Women's Ballon d'Or®

2. The Men's and Women's Young Talent of the Year

3. The Men's and Women's Goalkeeper of the Year

4. The Men's and Women's Coach of the Year

5. The Men's and Women's Club of the Year

6. The Men's and Women's Striker of the Year

7. Sócrates Award, presented by L'Équipe and Peace and Sport for solidarity initiatives and societal causes supported by a committed champion.