Padel is set to make a historic appearance at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, running from August 22 to 28. The tournament will feature 88 athletes from 18 different nations competing across men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles categories at the Parco del Mediterraneo Salinella.
Key Contenders and Nations to Watch
The competition promises a high-level field, blending established world-class stars with rising talent from across the Mediterranean region. The following teams and athletes are among those expected to make the biggest impact:
- Spain: As a powerhouse in the sport, Spain is bringing a formidable squad of eight elite athletes. The men’s side features David Gala (world number 34), José Diestro, Pol Hernandez, and Guille Collado. The women’s roster is headlined by former world number ones Lucia Sainz and Patty Llaguno, alongside Jimena Velasco and Nuria Rodriguez.
- Italy: Playing on home soil, the Italian team combines veteran experience with fresh momentum. Key figures include national team stalwarts Carolina Orsi, Giorgia Marchetti, Carlotta Casali, and Marco Cassetta. They are supported by rising stars Flavio Abbate, Alvaro Montiel, Simone Iacovino, and the season's breakout talent, 21-year-old Giulia Dal Pozzo.
- Portugal: The Portuguese contingent is aiming for the podium with a roster of top-ranked FIP players. The team includes siblings Sofia and Pedro Araujo, the Deus brothers (Miguel and Nuno), veteran Ana Nogueira, and European champion Pedro Graça.
- France: France enters the tournament as a serious medal threat. Their women’s team features European silver medallists Louise Bahurel, Lucile Pothier, Charlotte Soubrié, and Steffi Merah. The men’s squad is anchored by Bastien Blanqué, Dylan Guichard, Yoan Boronad, and Timeo Fonteny.
- Emerging Nations: The tournament highlights the global growth of padel through diverse participation. Notable entries include Tunisia, featuring Dora Chamli (the first African player to win a Premier Padel match); Morocco, featuring former ATP tennis player Reda El Amrani; and Monaco, which is bringing the youngest competitor in the field, Noah Minioni (born in 2009). Additionally, Athletica Vaticana will participate in the event for demonstration purposes.
With 17 countries represented in men's doubles, 14 in women's, and 12 in mixed, the event serves as a significant milestone for the sport's integration into major international multi-sport games. The full list of participating nations includes Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Tunisia, and Türkiye.
