The excitement is building in Salerno as the first delegations have officially arrived for the European Universities Games 2026.

Student-athletes, team officials and delegation members representing universities from across Europe are now reaching the Games' host city, where the countdown to two weeks of sporting excellence is almost over. The first participants competing in Futsal and Volleyball have already checked in, becoming the first to experience the unique atmosphere of EUG 2026.

The University of Salerno campuses in Fisciano and Baronissi, together with the city of Salerno, will be the place in which many cultures and personalities will get in touch and rival for the title of the best University team in each competition. Over the coming days, more delegations will continue to arrive before competitions get underway across the 13 sports featured in this year's programme.

“We are really excited. We have a good team and good people with us, so we are very positive about everything. We have a good team, and we've prepared for six months now. So, we expect a lot because for the last three championships, we lost in the quarter-finals. So, we think we are now ready to overcome that barrier. We feel ready to win medals again after nine years.”  - expressed Maja Lena Bicanic and Luna Zetic from the University of Zagreb. 

The whole day revolved around the first teams and individuals arriving, checking their excitement, and filling the areas of the campus with the sporting spirit. 

The Organising Committee, together with EUSA staff and hundreds of dedicated volunteers, has been working tirelessly to ensure a smooth arrival process. From airport and railway station transfers to accreditation, accommodation and information services, every effort has been made to provide participants with a warm Italian welcome and the best possible start to their European Universities Games experience. 

“I just arrived at this event, and it feels great to be here. Well, it's actually my second European Universities Games as a volunteer, and I am totally looking forward to it. I will be working at Beach Handball in the coming days, which I was also doing two years ago in Debrecen as a volunteer. We have already met some of my co-workers and other volunteers. We are all excited and looking forward to it.” - said Wiktor Makowski, one of the International volunteers at EUG 2026. 

Beyond the sporting competitions, the Games offer participants an opportunity to experience the rich culture, history and hospitality of southern Italy. From the vibrant streets of Salerno to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, athletes will not only compete at the highest university level but also create unforgettable memories and friendships with fellow students from across Europe.

Today's arrivals offered a glimpse of what lies ahead in the coming days of the Games: exciting competition, unforgettable moments, a true sporting spirit, and the pursuit of victory.

"We are participating in this tournament with 12 players. We are 15 people in total, including 3 staff members. Our team is really full of young players. The tournament seems really exciting. After the second place won last year, this year we want to crown it with a first-place finish before we leave.” - Yılmaz Uner from Fenerbahce University. 

The official start of the Games will be marked by the spectacular Opening Ceremony on 18 July at 20:30 in the iconic Piazza della Liberta, where thousands of athletes, officials, volunteers and spectators will gather under the theme "United by the Sea" to celebrate the beginning of Europe's largest university multi-sport event.

With around 4,000 participants, representing almost 200 universities from 31 countries, the European Universities Games 2026 promise two weeks of outstanding competition, cultural exchange and unforgettable moments.

Tomorrow is the day for the first General Technical Meetings and more arrivals! 

Welcome to Salerno, and welcome to the European Universities Games 2026.