Could your railway station be crowned World Cup of Stations 2026 champion?

Credit: Rail Delivery Group

Could Ilkeston, Long Eaton railway station, or one of our regional railway stations be declared as a World Cup winner?

The search is on the local transport hub that does the best job of connecting people and places, as nominations open for World Cup of Stations 2026.

From Monday 14th to Sunday 20th September, people across Britain are being invited to nominate stations that make a real difference to their community.

This year’s theme, ‘The Stations creating connections that matter’, will celebrate the different ways in which stations bring people and places together.

Stations are about much more than catching a train. They connect people with family and friends, jobs, education, events and days out, while also brining communities together, supporting local businesses and creating welcoming spaces at the heart of the places they serve.

People are invited to nominate stations that have created connections that really matter to them. It does not have to be the biggest or busiest station, but what matters is the difference it makes to the people and places around it.

Dan Mann, co-CEO of Rail Delivery Group said: “Every station has its own story and plays a different role in bringing together people and experiences. This year’s World Cup of Stations is about celebrating those stories and recognising the stations that make a real difference to the people who use them.

“As we move towards a simpler, more joined-up railway through Great British Railways, it also reflects the role our stations play in creating one railway that connects us all.

“We want people across Britain to tell us what makes their station special. Whether it is supporting local businesses, bringing the community together, hosting events or helping people get to the places that matter to them, we want to hear about the difference their station makes.”

Paul Henry, Programme Manager for the Northumberland Line, said: “We were delighted when Ashington was crowned the winner of last year’s World Cup of Stations competition, following a swell of support from thousands of local people.

“It shows the station has had a really positive impact on their lives, providing them with faster and more convenient public transport that opens up a range of new opportunities.

“This award has helped to put Ashington back on the map and shown just how transformational the Northumberland Line has been for the former coal mining communities along the route.”

The nomination phase runs from 14th to 20th September 2026, after which a judging panel will review entries against this year’s theme and select the 2026 standout stations to go forward to a public vote in October.

People can submit their nominations by visiting this link, where they will be asked to name their chosen station and explain why it deserves to be crowned as this year’s winner in the World Cup of Stations.