The Biggest Events and Trends Likely to Occur in 2026
2026 is expected to be one of the years when significant changes will hit the spotlight. The year is already packed with high-stakes plans and forecasts. Some events have been in the works for years. Others reflect rapid changes already unfolding around us.
These big events and trends are no longer distant concepts. They’re scheduled, budgeted, and in many cases, already being tested. Here’s a look at the biggest events likely to shape headlines in 2026.
Fully Autonomous Taxis Will Operate Without Safety Drivers
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Waymo and Cruise are expected to expand driverless taxi services into more major US cities without human safety drivers present. These vehicles are already in operation in limited areas of San Francisco and Phoenix. Wider deployment in 2026 would mark a significant step in the real-world implementation of commercial autonomous transportation.
NASA Plans First Crewed Lunar Landing Since 1972
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If Artemis III stays on schedule, NASA will send astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. The mission includes the first woman and first person of color to step on the moon, which signals not just a return, but a major shift in who gets to explore beyond Earth.
The United States May Lose Its Liberal Democracy Status
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Political analysts using the V-Dem index have flagged that the U.S. could lose its “liberal democracy” classification, sliding into the “electoral democracy” category. The reasons include increasing executive overreach, weakened institutional checks, and long-term erosion of democratic norms.
New Cancer Therapies Will Reach Clinical Use
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Cancer treatments that have shown promising results in early-stage detection and immunotherapy are expected to become available outside clinical trials. These therapies include personalized approaches that target specific mutations and immune responses. The transition from laboratory to real-world application may significantly impact survival rates in certain types of cancer.
GTA VI Will Launch With Record-Breaking Expectations
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After years of teasers, leaks, and speculation, Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto VI is on track for release in 2026. It carries one of gaming’s largest production budgets ever, and early footage suggests a modern Vice City setting with dual protagonists and expanded gameplay physics.
A $5 Trillion Company Could Become Reality
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The rapid growth of tech firms in AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing may propel one company — likely Apple, Microsoft, or Nvidia — to surpass a $5 trillion market capitalization. Apple and Microsoft have already exceeded $3 trillion, while Nvidia crossed $1 trillion in 2023 and continues to gain from AI demand.
Marvel Will Attempt Franchise Reset With Avengers: Doomsday
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Box office fatigue and mixed reviews have pushed Marvel to retool. “Avengers: Doomsday is slated as a franchise reset, which potentially will bring back major characters and pivot to new arcs. Fans and industry insiders will be watching whether this return to form regains audience trust.
The United States Will Mark Its 250th Anniversary
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July 4, 2026, will mark 250 years since the American Revolution, not independence. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission has spent years planning public events, historical programs, and commemorations in every state. Expect everything from fireworks to civic campaigns tied to the nation’s founding.
At Least One More State Will Ban Lab-Grown Meat
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Following bans in Florida and Alabama, additional U.S. states are likely to restrict or ban the production and sale of lab-grown meat in 2026. Five states passed similar laws in 2025, and legislative activity continues. The moves are backed by livestock interests and framed around concerns over labeling and food safety.
Cash Use Will Drop Below Critical Thresholds in Multiple Countries
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Sweden led the charge with cash making up under 8% of transactions by 2022. Japan, South Korea, and parts of Europe are close behind. By 2026, experts predict multiple economies will reach near-zero cash use in daily purchases, sparking policy debates on privacy and access.