The Pacific island nation of Kiribati has become the first country in the world to usher in 2026, with midnight striking in its Line Islands.
New Year celebrations will roll across the globe in the coming hours, beginning in Oceania and spreading through East Asia, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and eventually the Americas.
After Kiribati, countries such as New Zealand and Australia are next to welcome the New Year, with major cities gearing up for large public gatherings and spectacular fireworks displays.
Several Asian nations, including Japan, South Korea, China, and India, are also expected to mark the arrival of 2026 shortly afterward.
Nigeria, along with many other countries, will celebrate the New Year later in the day.
In Nigeria, churches are anticipated to record large turnouts for crossover services, while fireworks and other festivities will light up the skies in cities across the country as residents welcome 2026.
