# 2026 Mediterranean Games preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-mediterranean-games-preparations
> Updated: 2026-08-12T14:11:18.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Preparations for the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, involve several athlete and team updates. The Algerian Football Federation announced an 18-player U21 squad led by coach Brahim Hemdani for Group B competition, which includes matches against Kosovo, Italy, and Albania.

In swimming, Tunisian Olympic champion Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui has withdrawn from the games. Following consultations between the Tunisian Swimming Federation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and medical professionals, it was determined that Hafnaoui is unable to compete due to both “physical and psychological reasons.”

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: National football teams announce squad selections for upcoming tournaments

Algeria's U21 coach announced an 18-man squad for the Mediterranean Games in Italy, while Senegal's U23 coach called up 23 new players for Africa Cup of Nations preparations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/national-football-teams-announce-squad-selections-for-upcoming-tournaments

### 2026-08-12: Mediterranean Games 2026: Algeria squad announced and Hafnaoui withdraws

Algeria has unveiled its U21 football squad for the 2026 Mediterranean Games, while Tunisian Olympic swimmer Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui has withdrawn due to physical and psychological health concerns.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mediterranean-games-2026-algeria-squad-announced-and-hafnaoui-withdraws

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Cite as: 2026 Mediterranean Games preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-mediterranean-games-preparations