2026 Mediterranean Games
Taranto, Italy will host the 2026 Mediterranean Games, the 20th edition of this regional multi-sport event, from 21 August to 3 September 2026. Taranto was chosen as the host city in August 2019 after it was the sole candidate.
The Games were moved from June to late August to avoid peak heat and clashes with other major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing more top athletes to participate. This event also marks the return to the four-year cycle after the 2021 Games were postponed to 2022 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Around 26 member nations are expected to compete. The program will feature about 211 events across roughly 28 sports, including 24 Olympic sports plus several non-Olympic disciplines, with some team and demonstration events.
Venues will be spread across Taranto, its province, and the Apulia region, with many facilities newly built or renovated. The main venue is Stadio Erasmo Iacovone.
The emblem, unveiled in December 2019, is inspired by Taranto’s Sailor Monument and features two stylized figures forming the number 20 in Roman numerals. The mascot is Ionios, a dolphin carrying a torch, symbolizing Taranto.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 07:31 (CET).