What are the Mediterranean Games?
The Mediterranean Games are the multi-sport games of the nations of the Mediterranean rim — 26 countries spanning three continents, from Spain, France and Italy through the Balkans and Türkiye to Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. Taranto 2026 expects more than 4,000 athletes.[1] [2]
Who organizes the Mediterranean Games?
The International Committee of Mediterranean Games (ICMG/CIJM), an association of the region's National Olympic Committees recognized by the IOC, owns the Games and awards each edition to a host city.[2] [3]
When and where are they held?
Every four years. The XX Games take place in Taranto, Italy, 21 August – 3 September 2026.[1] [3]
| Season | Pool / Format | Host cities |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | XX | Taranto (ITA), 21 Aug–3 Sep — upcoming; rescheduled from 2025 |
| 2022 | XIX | Oran (ALG) |
| 2018 | XVIII | Tarragona (ESP) — rescheduled from 2017 |
| 2013 | XVII | Mersin (TUR) |
| 2009 | XVI | Pescara (ITA) |
| 2005 | XV | Almería (ESP) |
| 2001 | XIV | Tunis (TUN) |
| 1997 | XIII | Bari (ITA) |
| 1993 | XII | Languedoc-Roussillon (FRA) |
| 1951 | I | Alexandria (EGY) — inaugural edition |
The Taranto edition was rescheduled from its original 2025 dates.[2]
Since when do they exist?
The first Mediterranean Games were held in Alexandria in 1951, conceived as a bridge between the Olympic nations of southern Europe, North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean; they have run on a four-year cycle since.[2]
How do athletes qualify?
Entry runs through the National Olympic Committees of the ICMG member nations, which select national teams within per-sport quotas and standards agreed with the federations.[2] [3]
Why do the Mediterranean Games matter?
They are a genuine three-continent international title with 75 years of history: fields include Olympic medalists from powers such as Italy, France, Spain, Türkiye and Egypt, and for North African and Balkan nations the Games are among the most prominent international stages available.[1] [2]
Who competes?
National teams of the 26 Mediterranean member nations — over 4,000 athletes expected at Taranto 2026 across a broad Olympic-style program.[1]
References
- International Testing Agency — Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026. Accessed August 2026.
- Wikipedia — Mediterranean Games (background). Accessed August 2026.
- FEI — 20th Mediterranean Games, Taranto. Accessed August 2026.