European Universities Games Salerno 2026
July 18 - August 1, 2026
Following the conclusion of the bidding process and the official presentation of the candidature, the European Universities Games 2026 have been attributed to Salerno on April 22, 2022, on the occasion of the EUSA Executive Committee meeting in Salerno.
The bidding and awarding ceremony was held at the Aula Magna of the University of Salerno, in the presence of the highest local and university authorities, EUSA Executive Committee members, invited guests and students.
The slogan, “Passion never ends”, perfectly represents the spirit of EUSA Games. Being passionate about sport, education and life is what makes everyday life great. The official logo, inspired by Piazza della Libertà on the city seaside and ideally linked to Piazza del Sapere at the university campus, is a multicoloured flower symbolising diversity, growth, and openness to the world, with a visual nod to the semicircle of the European Parliament.
The European Universities Games 2026 took place in Salerno, Italy, from 18 July to 1 August 2026, bringing together student-athletes, officials, volunteers and university sport representatives from across Europe for fifteen days of competition, education and cultural exchange.
Hosted in Salerno, the eighth edition of the European Universities Games welcomed 3,889 participants from 171 universities representing 31 countries. More than 4,000 people were directly involved in delivering the Games, including over 700 volunteers who played an essential role throughout the event.
The Games were officially opened on 18 July with a spectacular Opening Ceremony at Piazza della Libertà, featuring the Parade of Universities, artistic performances celebrating the identity of Salerno and Campania, and the traditional Athletes' and Referees' Oaths. Almost 200 university delegations from across Europe took part in the parade, creating a strong celebration of the diversity and unity of European university sport.
The programme featured 13 sports: 3x3 Basketball, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Handball, Beach Volleyball, Football, Futsal, Handball, Padel, Rugby 7s, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball. Student-athletes competed for European university titles, with the 3x3 Basketball competition also serving as the European qualifier for the FISU University World Cup.
Beyond the sporting programme, EUG 2026 provided participants with opportunities to learn, exchange experiences and engage with important topics affecting young people and university sport.
The educational programme covered youth opportunities, dual careers, innovation, artificial intelligence in sport, European citizenship, human rights, nutrition, well-being and preventive health. Cultural and social activities encouraged participants from different countries and backgrounds to connect and experience the culture and traditions of the Campania region.
The Games also highlighted the importance of cooperation across European university sport. Competitions were supported by European and international sport organisations, including the European Handball Federation, Rugby Europe, Badminton Europe, the European Volleyball Confederation and ETTU Europe, alongside national federations and other partners.
More than 700 volunteers contributed to the organisation and delivery of EUG 2026. Local and international volunteers supported activities across the competition venues and contributed to creating a welcoming and international atmosphere throughout the Games.
The Games concluded on 1 August with a Closing Ceremony attended by athletes, volunteers, organisers, officials, representatives of local authorities and members of the European university sports community.
The ceremony celebrated the sporting achievements of the participants and the collective efforts behind the organisation of the Games. It also marked the transition to the next edition of the European Universities Games.
The EUSA flag was officially handed over to Split, Croatia, which will host the European Universities Games in 2028.
The European Universities Games 2026 were organised under the licence of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) by the University of Salerno, CUS Salerno and ADISURC, with the support of FederCUSI, the Campania Region, the Municipality of Salerno and numerous local partners, in cooperation with the EUSA Institute. The Games were also supported by the European Solidarity Corps Programme, co-funded by the European Union, and the International University Sports Federation (FISU).
EUG 2026 leaves a lasting legacy of sporting excellence, international cooperation, inclusion, friendship and shared experiences, once again demonstrating the role of university sport in bringing young people together across Europe.
You can also follow the event on the provided social media channels to catch real-time updates, highlights, and announcements.