# International sporting events in Egypt > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/international-sporting-events-in-egypt > Updated: 2026-09-09T18:22:31.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 6. Egypt is hosting several international sporting events. In August 2026, the country hosted the Pharaohs International Aerobic Gymnastics Cup in 6th of October City, featuring 290 athletes. Officials described the tournament as a “mini World Cup” intended to prepare for Egypt’s hosting of the 2028 Aerobic Gymnastics World Cup. Preparations for the 12th African University Games, titled ‘Cairo 2026’, culminated in the official inauguration of the event on September 8, 2026. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly opened the games at the Cairo International Stadium, an ceremony attended by various ministers and representatives from the International and African University Sports Federations. During his speech, Madbouly emphasized that the games serve as a “celebration of African youth and the values that unite the continent,” noting that Africa represents a “shared history and destiny for Egypt.” Minister of Higher Education Abdelaziz Qanswa stated that hosting the games reflects Egypt’s commitment to youth empowerment and strengthening cooperation with African nations, marking the first time Egypt has hosted the event since the African University Sports Federation was established in 1977. The competition program includes 25 different sports and contests, comprising 18 main sports—such as football, volleyball, basketball, padel, squash, swimming, athletics, and martial arts—alongside the debut of three exhibition sports: sailing, darts, and e-sports. The games also feature four Paralympic disciplines: athletics, badminton, table tennis, and swimming. To ensure readiness, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has collaborated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to prepare various venues, including Ain Shams University, 6th of October University, the American University in Cairo, and the Maadi Olympic Center. Following the inauguration, the games officially commenced at the Cairo International Stadium cycling arena. Approximately 150 international students participated in the opening festivities. ## Claims - The 12th African University Games, Cairo 2026, will be held from September 8 to 16, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - More than 2,000 participants from 18 African countries and 82 universities and educational institutions are participating. (single source) - The games will feature 18 main sports, plus Paralympic and exhibition sports which are included for the first time. (single source) - Nile Sport has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for the Cairo 2026 African University Games. (single source) - An official mobile application has been developed to serve athletes, delegations, officials, media, and the public. (single source) - The delegation from the Benin University of Parakou has arrived in Cairo. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Cairo 2026 African University Games officially commence in Egypt The 12th African University Games, ‘Cairo 2026’, have launched in Egypt, featuring scientific conferences supported by the Egyptian Knowledge Bank and participation from international students. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/egypt-hosts-12th-african-university-games-in-cairo ### 2026-09-07: Egypt to host 12th African University Games in Cairo 2026 Egypt will host the 12th African University Games in Cairo from September 8–16, 2026, featuring 25 sports, including new exhibition categories and paralympic competitions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/egypt-to-host-12th-african-university-games-in-cairo-2026 ### 2026-09-04: Cairo 2026 African University Games preparations underway Cairo is preparing to host the 12th African University Games from September 8–16, 2026, featuring 2,000+ athletes from 18 countries and 82 universities across 18 sports. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cairo-2026-african-university-games-preparations-underway ### 2026-08-27: Egypt prepares sports facilities for Cairo 2026 African University Games Egypt is preparing sports facilities at various universities and centers to host the 12th African University Games, ‘Cairo 2026’, scheduled for September 2026. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/egypt-prepares-sports-facilities-for-cairo-2026-african-university-games ### 2026-08-25: Egypt prepares for Cairo 2026 African University Games Egypt is preparing to host the 12th African University Games in Cairo from September 8–16, 2026, featuring over 2,000 participants from 17 African nations across 18 sports. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/egypt-prepares-to-host-12th-african-university-games-in-cairo ### 2026-08-08: Egypt hosts Pharaohs International Aerobic Gymnastics Cup Egypt is hosting the Pharaohs International Aerobic Gymnastics Cup, a key preparatory event for the 2028 Aerobic Gymnastics World Cup, featuring 290 athletes from 30 organizations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/egypt-hosts-pharaohs-international-aerobic-gymnastics-cup --- Cite as: International sporting events in Egypt. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/international-sporting-events-in-egypt