The Algerian delegation for the 20th Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, will feature 248 athletes competing across 27 disciplines, according to announcements made by the Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee (COA). Led by COA President Abderrahmane Hammad, the national contingent comprises 151 men and 97 women who will take part in the regional multi-sport event scheduled to run from August 21 to September 3, 2026.
Delegation Size and Sports Breakdown
According to figures released by the COA, Algeria’s 248 athletes will contest 27 of the 33 sports on the official program in Taranto, where 26 National Olympic Committees are expected to compete. The individual and team entries span a wide range of specialties, with notable representation in track and field and shooting sports. Athletics and shooting lead the numerical breakdown with 17 competitors each—including two women in track and field and six women in shooting sports. Associated wrestling accounts for 14 athletes (five women), while boxing features 12 competitors (six women). Judo and gymnastics field 12 athletes each, featuring four women in judo and six in gymnastics.
Additional entries include fencing with 11 athletes (five women), karate with 10 athletes (four women), and groups of eight in rowing, badminton, cycling, and pétanque. Canoe-kayak enters seven athletes, table tennis fields six, swimming enters five, and both raffa and taekwondo bring four athletes apiece. Weightlifting and skateboarding round out the individual sports with three competitors each. In team sports, Algeria enters squads in four disciplines: handball features both men’s and women’s selections totaling 28 players, volleyball includes 24 players across both genders, 3×3 basketball brings 17 players, and the men’s under-21 football team accounts for 18 players.
Logistical Setup and Elite Accommodation
Beyond the athletes, the broader Algerian mission numbers 334 people total, which includes 76 officials and coaches alongside 10 referees. Zoubida Bouyacoub, the cheffe de la délégation algérienne, outlined the unusual logistical arrangements for the delegation, noting that athletes and staff will be housed aboard two ships stationed in a military base. The vessels, which have capacities of approximately 2,000 and 5,000 passengers respectively, offer amenities comparable to a five-star hotel to ensure adequate comfort and recovery between events. To manage the transit of the delegation, a dedicated air bridge utilizing six charter flights (aller-retour) will begin operations on August 19, two days prior to the opening ceremony.
Stakes, Expectations, and Historical Reference
Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Hammad stated that the competition level at the Mediterranean Games continues to rise with each edition. The COA president pointed to the results achieved at the Oran 2022 Mediterranean Games as an important performance and participation benchmark for the team heading to Italy. Officials are placing particular expectations on individual sports—specifically athletics, gymnastics, and boxing—to anchor the medal count, while providing younger competitors an opportunity to gain high-level international experience.
Keep reading
