Mediterranean Games 2026: Morocco and Algeria face contrasting football tests

The football competitions at the 2026 Mediterranean Games begin in Taranto on 21 August, with Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia among the African nations involved in the men’s tournament, while Morocco will also compete in the women’s event.

The Games, being staged in the Italian city until 3 September, are hosting the 20th edition of the multi-sport competition. Morocco’s U20 side, Algeria’s U21 team and Tunisia’s U21 selection will all take part in the men’s football tournament.

Morocco have been drawn in Group A alongside Turkey, Tunisia and North Macedonia. Their campaign starts on Saturday evening against Turkey, before a meeting with Tunisia U21 on Monday. They will complete the group stage against North Macedonia on Wednesday.

The Moroccan squad is coached by French manager Ludovic Batelli and is made up almost entirely of players based in Morocco. The exceptions are Benjamin Khaderi of PSV Eindhoven, Noham Hamdaoua of Cagliari and Rayan Zinebi, who is set to leave Granada to join Real Madrid.

Goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch, who helped Morocco win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 title, had initially been selected for the Games. However, he withdrew after completing his move to Reims.

Men’s football – Group A

– Morocco – Turkey – Tunisia – North Macedonia

Algeria are competing in Group B with Italy, Kosovo and Albania. Their U21 side is managed by former international Brahim Hemdani and began the tournament with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Kosovo on Saturday morning.

The Fennecs secured the win with a goal in the 91st minute. Ben Ahmed Kohili of MC Alger and Houssem Tarzout of Paradou scored Algeria’s goals.

Algeria’s next assignment is a match against hosts Italy on Monday, followed by a group-stage meeting with Albania on Wednesday.

Men’s football – Group B

– Italy – Algeria – Kosovo – Albania

Morocco are also represented in the women’s football competition by their U17 team, coached by Youness Rabie.

They made an impressive start to the tournament on Saturday morning by beating Slovenia 4-0. Imene Dhissi opened the scoring in the 50th minute, before Nessma Mouradi struck twice in the 61st minute from the penalty spot and again in the 66th minute. Chaimae Boughazi added Morocco’s fourth in the 63rd minute.

The women’s competition is being played in a single five-team group. Morocco will face Portugal on Sunday, Kosovo on Tuesday and Italy on Thursday.

The 2026 Mediterranean Games are being shown live and free-to-air across North Africa. Viewers in Algeria can watch on ENTV, while Arryadia is broadcasting the event in Morocco and El Wataniya is showing it in Tunisia.