What will the year 2026 bring us?

Humans have always had a complex relationship with the unknown. We fear the uncontrollable, and the unpredictable. In the caves, people performed rituals in order to see the future. Even today, we still try to glimpse the future – even if it is esoteric.

In recent weeks, many lists have been created about what the year 2026 will hold. They are just estimates, predictions… and may or may be true. All of them have one thing in comon: they’re all great. Experts predict that we will hear a lot of things in the coming year, from the important, like the global economy, to the frivolous, like the latest fashion. After all, history is written both big and small.

 You? It’s not so bad .

The future is a concern for people with power and money. They are therefore fond of making predictions. The Economist has become a bible for political and economics. It publishes its predictions every year at the end and beginning of a new year.

It does not look good for 2026: it predicts more geopolitical conflict and financial crisis. It’s worse that experts claim to be right most of the time. The experts of the weekly magazine believe that China will benefit from the US’s increasing isolation. They also think that the US will celebrate its anniversary in a polarised environment that will have overtones of civil conflict.

Experts believe that Putin may want to open up avenues of chaos in Europe as a retaliation for the Russian stalemate. Meanwhile in Spain… Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, alias ‘El Superviviente’ (The Survivor), will have to live up to his nickname to finish his term in office, as he intends to do, which means a constant political tidal wave is in the offing.

The year of AI 

Everyone believes that AI will have a major impact in 2026. This year, say experts, will be the truth. The last two years, it was the year that AI fascinated people. According to a MIT study, 95% of AI programs in companies did not generate any returns. It may lose its importance as an economic engine if its implementation is not accelerated, but it could also generate social rejection if its pace is too slow. How will it be managed? It will take a whole lot of intelligence… Most importantly, some experts predict a trend which is already emerging: the return of the ‘human’ after years of being absorbed by virtual reality, WhatsApp, dating applications, influencers…hence, demand for personal relationships in person, material objects like photo albums or vinyl, less saturated tourist destinations and less social media use as a sign for a better life.

 Hobbies

What can we do to improve our mood in this world of turmoil? We will continue to look at so-called wellness trend to see if they can help us improve our daily lives. This is where we have the power to act. Pickleball is a sport which has been sweeping America for the past few years. This could be the year that it arrives in Spain.

The sport is popular across the pond with more than 50 million people. In 2026, it is expected to surpass basketball as the most popular sport in America.

What else? Strength, strength and more strength has been the mantra in the gym. It is good, but yoga and Pilates, old friends, will regain their prominence. What is the reason? The physical goal for the new year is to achieve flexibility and functionality.

 Take care of yourself without stress 

Let’s say that self-care is more relaxed in 2026 than it was previously. We’ve already discussed a form exercise that involves more movement than pounding your body, but we also need to consider diet. Experts predict that calorie-counting will be outmoded and will instead recommend moderate portions of fresh food and sensible, reasonable portions.

Take special care in this context with your intake of fibre, probiotics, and prebiotics. Because intestinal health is more than just a digestive problem: it can help you in many ways, including in terms of mental health.

Colour…cloud dancer 

Every year, there is an official colour. If this year’s was “Mocha Mousse”, a soft brown, and last year’s was “Peach Fuzz”, a subdued pink-peach, in 2026 the colours will be even lighter. Pantone, which determines the colour that will “rule” in fashion and design every year, says the protagonist will be “Cloud Dancer”, a white. It has a calming effect on a society that is rediscovering the importance of peaceful reflection.

What is special about this white color? Pantone Color Institute says that it “cuts through grey skies and reveals clear, cool, blues in hazy sunshine”. They have chosen the Pantone Color of the Year for over two decades. It’s a neutral, soft white with warm undertones. They say it goes well with anything, but especially pastels. Does everyone like it? Internet users have already complained that the film is bland. Could this be a preview of what will happen in 2026?

People who understand the brain (psychiatrists and neuroscientists), say it’s characterised by two traits that go hand in hand: it’s lazy, it’s designed to conserve energy, and it’s also a bit ‘lazy.’ It’s also a little ‘uncertain’, and therefore it’s not a fan of uncertainty. It’s also a practical matter: worrying about future events is a waste of energy.

The brain is drawn to predictions because it wants patterns and plans for the future, so that it does not overexert. “We love reading about the trends of 2026 because the future awakens a mixture of restlessness and curiosity in us”, says María Padilla, from Capital Psicólogos.

She explains that anticipating the future – whether it’s in fashion, economics or lifestyle – “gives us an a sense of control”. “But it’s also a bit of a game. We want to know the latest, what is going to be popular, and what surprises us. The psychologist says it’s a bit like looking through a crack to tomorrow in order to grasp it… or to at least imagine it.