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The world in 2026

Predict the biggest Headlines of 2026.

Collage of pages from the “The world in 2026” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 09 January 2026

About this lesson

Journalists at The Economist have identified the stories they believe will shape the year ahead. From global conflicts and the future of AI to clean energy, weight-loss medicine and the World Cup, 2026 could bring big changes to how people live, work and connect.

But how reliable are predictions about the future? And what might these developments mean for societies around the world?

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Explore key predictions for 2026 and the issues behind them
  • Consider how these developments could affect people, communities and countries
  • Take part in mini-debates to test ideas and listen to different viewpoints

Skills and knowledge

  • Listening

    Step 6: Note-taking
    I record important information
    Did you take notes when you were answering the questions about your prediction?

    Step 12: Comparing views
    I compare different points of view
    Did you compare different points of view when discussing the predictions?

    Step 16: Evaluating perspectives
     I objectively evaluate and integrate different perspectives
    Did you evaluate different perspectives when discussing the questions?
    Did you take them on board?

  • Knowledge

    I know five things that journalists predict might be in the news in 2026
    What do journalists predict might happen in the news in 2026?
    What do you predict?

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