2026 Mediterranean Games
The XXth Mediterranean Games, commonly known as the 2026 Mediterranean Games (Italian: XX Giochi del Mediterraneo) will be the 20th Mediterranean Games. The Games will be held in Taranto, Italy in June 2026, one year later than the usual date (every 4 years, previous 2021 in Oran).[1] [2]
| Host city | Taranto, Italy |
|---|---|
| Nations participating | 26 |
| Opening ceremony | 13 June |
| Closing ceremony | 22 June |
| Officially opened by | President of Italy (expected) |
| Main venue | Stadio Erasmo Iacovone |
| Website | [ Official website] |
23 olympic Sports will be disputed and also 2 non-olympic ones, with 7 team sports. The entire programme is from 13 June to 22 June 2026. The following sites and venues will be concerned: Taranto, Torricella, Sava, San Giorgio Jonico, Massafra, Martina Franca, Grottaglie, Ginosa, Crispiano, Castellaneta, Lecce, Brindisi, Francavilla Fontana, Fasano, Monopoli and the Valle d’Itria for cycling.
In Taranto, will be constructed: a new Aquatic Centre, a new Nautical Centre, a new complex Magna Grecia, and two smaller venues, at the Salinella and at Paolo VI. The Aquatic Centre will host 2,300 spectators and an Olympic-size swimming pool, the only one in Apulia.
The venues that will be rebuilt or improved are: «il campo scuola al quartiere Salinella, the stadio Iacovone, the Stadio Via del Mare[3], the Palamazzola, the Palafiom, the pattinodromo della Salinella and the circolo Tennis.
Candidate cities
Taranto was the only candidate city and it was elected on 24 August 2019, in Patras, Greece, with an edition delayed in 2026 (and not 2025).
References
- "n Taranto the Mediterranean Games of 2026. The happiness of the mayor Melucci: "The city can start again"". La Repubblica. 24 August 2019. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
- https://www.calciolecce.it/2019/08/24/ufficiale-a-taranto-i-giochi-del-mediterraneo-2026-e-arrivano-fondi-per-il-via-del-mare/