Mediterranean Games 2026/27

The football tournament at the Mediterranean Games operates as a quadrennial invitational competition, distinct from standard league structures by featuring no promotion or relegation. It is organized by the International Committee of Mediterranean Games, an entity established in Athens in 1961. Unlike continental championships governed by specific confederations, this event creates a cross-confederation field. It brings together nations from UEFA, CAF, and the AFC, distinguishing it from the UEFA U-21 Championship or the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, which serve as qualifiers for global tournaments. The tournament does not offer direct qualification to major world events, positioning it primarily as a developmental platform for regional rivalry.

The competition has undergone significant structural changes regarding participant age groups over its history. Senior teams competed from its inception in 1951 until 1987. Subsequent editions rotated through U-23, U-21, U-20, and U-19 categories. The current 2026 edition features U-21 men's teams and introduces a U-19 women's tournament. The format typically involves a group stage followed by knockout rounds, accommodating between eight and twelve teams. While the tournament began in Alexandria, Egypt, the latest iteration is taking place in Taranto, Italy.

Italy holds the record for the most men's titles, securing four gold medals across different eras. Spain follows closely with three victories. France claimed the most recent men's title in 2022, defeating Italy in the final. The current men's final is scheduled for August 30, 2026, while the women's final will take place on August 31.