2026 Mediterranean Games
The 2026 Mediterranean Games, officially known as the XX Mediterranean Games and commonly known as Taranto 2026, is an upcoming international multi-sport event in the Mediterranean Games series that is scheduled to be held from 21 August to 3 September 2026 in Taranto, Italy. Taranto was announced as the host city at the ICMG General Assembly in Patras, Greece, on 24 August 2019.
The games were originally set to be held from June 13 to 23, but were moved to August 21 to September 3 to avoid the peak summer weather, as well as to not clash with any other major sporting events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which would allow more high-level athletes to participate. The event return to its traditional 4-year cycle following the 2021 Mediterranean Games postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bidding process
In July 2019, the International Committee of Mediterranean Games announced the end of the candidature process and the sole candidate city, Taranto, for the 2026 Games, and on 24 August, Taranto was awarded the 2026 Games following a unanimous vote by the CIJM.| City | NOC | Votes |
| Taranto | Unanimous |
Development and preparation
Venues
Venue will be spread across the city of Taranto, its namesake province, and the surrounding region of Apulia. Several venues will be newly built or renovated.| Venue | City | Events | Capacity | Status |
| Stadio Erasmo Iacovone | Taranto | Ceremonies | 27,584 | Existing |
| Stadio Erasmo Iacovone | Taranto | Football | 27,584 | Existing |
| Taranto | Athletics | 3,000 | New | |
| Magna Grecia Tennis Center | Taranto | Tennis | 1,000 | New |
| Palaricciardi | Taranto | Fencing | 1,000 | New |
| Taranto | Volleyball | 5,000 | Existing | |
| Torre d'Ayala Swimming Stadium | Taranto | Aquatics | 2,000 1,000 | New |
| Taranto Urban Circuit | Taranto | Road cycling | 3,500 | Temporary |
| Taranto Urban Circuit | Taranto | Roller skating | 3,500 | Temporary |
| Taranto Urban Circuit | Taranto | Triathlon | 3,500 | Temporary |
| Taranto | 3x3 basketball | 1,000 | Temporary | |
| Parco Cimino | Taranto | Canoeing | 1,000 | New |
| Parco Cimino | Taranto | Rowing | 1,000 | New |
| Torpediniere Nautical Center | Taranto | Sailing | 1,000 | New |
| Salinella Urban Center | Taranto | Padel | 1,000 | New |
| Salinella Urban Center | Taranto | Skateboarding | 1,000 | New |
| Stadio Franco Fanuzzi | Brindisi | Football | 7,500 | Existing |
| PalaPentassuglia | Brindisi | Volleyball | 3,534 | Existing |
| PalaTifo | Castellaneta | Table Tennis | 900 | Existing |
| PalaConversano | Conversano | Handball | 2,800 | Existing |
| Nuovo Palazzetto Dello Sport | Crispiano | Archery | 1,000 | New |
| Palazzetto dello Sport | Fasano | Handball | 2,000 | Existing |
| Stadio Giovanni Paolo II | Francavilla Fontana | Football | 2,137 | Existing |
| Palatifo e Tenso Struttura | Francavilla Fontana | Badminton | 250 | Existing |
| Grottaglie Sports Hall | Grottaglie | Artistic gymnastics | 3,000 | Existing |
| Grottaglie Sports Hall | Grottaglie | Handball | 900 | Existing |
| Stadio Via del mare | Lecce | Football | 31,461 | Existing |
| Palaventura | Lecce | Volleyball | 1,300 | Existing |
| Itria Valley | Martina Franca | Road cycling | 3,500 | Temporary |
| Massafra | Volleyball | 1,450 | Existing | |
| Massafra | Taekwondo | 800 | Existing | |
| PalaMontemesola | Montemesola | Bowls | 900 | Existing |
| Horse Club Terra Jonica | San Giorgio Ionico | Equestrian | 1,000 | Existing |
| San Giorgio Jonico Sport Hall | San Giorgio Ionico | Boxing | 1,000 | New |
| San Giorgio Jonico Sport Hall | San Giorgio Ionico | Weightlifting | 500 | New |
| Palastra di Quartiere | Statte | Handball | 750 | Existing |
| Palazzetto Albano | Torricella | Shooting | 1,000 600 | Existing |
The Games
Sports
24 Olympic sports will be contested and also 3 non-Olympic ones, with 5 team sports.| 2026 Mediterranean Games sports programme |
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Demonstration sports
In addition, 3 demonstation sports will be contested.*
Participating nations
Athletes from 26 member nations of the CIJM are eligible to participate in the Games.| Participating National Committees |
 MarketingEmblemThe emblem for the 2026 Mediterranean Games was unveiled on 14 December 2019 at the Palace of Taranto. It was designed by the Istituto Comprensivo Gaetano Salvemini as part of a contest announced in May by the Municipality of Taranto. Resembling the Sailor Monument in the city, the emblem is formed up of two anthropomorphized x's that compose the number 20 written in Roman numerals.MascotThe mascot is Ionios, a dolphin carrying a torch. The dolphin is the symbol of Taranto. |