Italy readies for 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto and Malta School Games in Trapani

The official draw for the 2026 Mediterranean Games was held in Taranto, confirming groupings for men’s and women’s tournaments across handball, volleyball, 3×3 basketball, water polo and football. The multi‑sport event will run from 21 August to 3 September, involve more than 4,000 athletes from 26 nations and be staged in venues across Taranto and other Puglian towns.

From 23 to 27 November 2026, Trapani will host the Malta School Games, bringing together over 4,500 students from 127 schools in Malta and Gozo with athletes from Sicily. The programme includes athletics, basketball, volleyball, football, water sports and chess. Local officials said, “Receiving the young Maltese athletes in November will be a growth opportunity for Trapani; sport is a bridge between peoples and will strengthen our city’s role in the Mediterranean.” Both events aim to promote sport, cultural exchange and tourism in southern Italy.