What Are the Mediterranean Games and Which Countries Participate?

Despite not receiving the same global exposure as the Olympic Games, the Mediterranean Games are one of the most important regional multi-sport competitions on the international calendar.

Their format is inspired by the Olympic Games: each country fields a national delegation, with athletes competing across multiple sports over approximately two weeks.

A History Dating Back to 1951

The inaugural Mediterranean Games were held in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1951, bringing together representatives from ten countries. The event was created to use sport as a meeting point for nations historically and culturally connected to the Mediterranean Sea.

Since then, the Games have generally been held every four years, with host cities across Europe, Africa and Asia.

The Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, taking place in Italy from August 21 to September 3, represent the 20th edition and celebrate 75 years of history.

Three Continents and 26 Countries

The International Committee of Mediterranean Games currently consists of 26 National Olympic Committees:

Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia and Türkiye.

Participation is not strictly limited to countries with a Mediterranean coastline. It also includes nations geographically close to or historically, culturally and athletically connected with the region.

More Than a Sporting Competition

Beyond medals and sporting results, the Mediterranean Games seek to promote cooperation, mutual understanding and unity among countries from three continents with different languages, religions and traditions.

For many participating nations, they are among the most important multi-sport competitions after the Olympic Games. They also provide an international platform for both emerging and established athletes progressing through different Olympic cycles.

Taranto 2026 once again brings this diverse sporting community together, continuing a history that began 75 years ago on the shores of the Mediterranean.