Macedonia gears up for 2026 Mediterranean Games and hosts global street‑basketball showcase

Since joining the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games in 2009, North Macedonia has competed as an independent nation in the 2013, 2018, 2022 and upcoming 2026 editions. The delegation earned five medals in Merşin (2013), six medals including the country's first golds in Tarragona (2018) – gold for Bearat Jakupi (karate) and Magomedgadzhi Nurov (wrestling) – and three medals (one gold, two bronze) in Oran (2022). Macedonia will again take part in the 2026 Taranto Games, aiming to build on its growing medal record.

From 10‑15 August 2026, Macedonia will host the international street‑basketball tour "Macedonia Takeover – MK in MK" featuring world‑renowned creator Mat Kiatipis. Organized by Lolipop Entertainment Group, the six‑day event will combine basketball performances, music, gastronomy and digital media across Skopje, Kumanovo and Ohrid, with expectations of over 10,000 attendees and five million organic online views.