Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games: Morocco Concludes a Historic Edition
The Closing Ceremony of the 20th Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026 took place on Thursday, September 3, at the Erasmo Iacovone Stadium in Taranto, Italy, bringing nearly two weeks of competition to a close and marking the end of a particularly remarkable edition for Moroccan sport.
With a delegation of 118 athletes competing across 18 sports, Morocco concluded its participation with a historic tally of 44 medals, including 16 gold, 9 silver and 19 bronze, securing 7th place in the overall medal standings.
These results make Taranto 2026 Morocco’s best-ever performance in the history of the Mediterranean Games, both in terms of the total number of medals and the number of titles won. The 44 medals surpassed the previous record of 33 set at Oran 2022, while the 16 gold medals improved on the previous record of 10 achieved at Tarragona 2018.
Another defining feature of Morocco’s performance was the contribution of 10 different sports to the national medal tally. Athletics, boxing, tennis, karate, taekwondo, judo, gymnastics, equestrian sports, football and wrestling all delivered podium finishes for Morocco at this 20th edition.
The breadth of these results stands out as one of the key features of Morocco’s participation in Taranto and reflects the performances achieved by Moroccan athletes across a wide range of sports.
Taranto 2026 also marked a symbolic milestone in Morocco’s history at the Mediterranean Games.
With the 44 medals secured at this edition, Morocco’s all-time tally now stands at 322 medals since its first participation in 1959, surpassing the landmark of 300 medals won at the Mediterranean Games.
At the Closing Ceremony, the Moroccan flag was carried by Yassine HSSINE and Fatima Ezzahra BIRDAHA, who were selected as the delegation’s flag bearers after each claimed two Mediterranean titles. Yassine HSSINE won gold in both the 100m and 200m, while Fatima Ezzahra BIRDAHA took gold in the 5,000m and half marathon.
Beyond the records set, this edition was marked by the diversity of sports contributing to the medal tally, unprecedented performances and the ability of Moroccan athletes to distinguish themselves in a highly competitive Mediterranean sporting environment.
The results achieved in Taranto reflect an outstanding participation, both in terms of the overall medal tally and the breadth of performances delivered throughout the Games.
The Moroccan National Olympic Committee, through all its components, congratulates all the athletes who represented the Kingdom at Taranto 2026 for their commitment, determination and performances throughout the Games. It also commends the work of the Moroccan Royal Sports Federations, the coaches, technical, medical and administrative staff, as well as everyone who contributed to supporting the national sports delegation.
The Moroccan National Olympic Committee also extends its appreciation to the Taranto 2026 Organising Committee, the International Committee of Mediterranean Games, and all those involved in welcoming the delegations and contributing to the successful delivery of this 20th edition.
The Moroccan delegation leaves Taranto following a historic participation marked by records and unprecedented achievements. With 44 medals, including 16 gold, podium finishes across 10 sports, and the milestone of 300 Mediterranean Games medals surpassed, Taranto 2026 sets a new benchmark in the history of Morocco’s participation in the Mediterranean Games and confirms the continued progress of Moroccan sport on the Mediterranean stage.
