The European Universities Games 2026 have come to a successful conclusion, bringing to an end fifteen days of high-level competition, international exchange and unforgettable experiences for the European university sports community.

Hosted in Salerno, Italy, EUSA Games once again confirmed its position as the largest multi-sport university event in Europe, welcoming 3,889 participants from 171 universities representing 31 countries. More than 4,000 people were directly involved in delivering the event, including over 600 volunteers whose dedication and enthusiasm helped create an exceptional experience for everyone involved.

This year's edition featured competitions in 3x3 Basketball, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Handball, Beach Volleyball, Football, Futsal, Handball, Padel, Rugby 7s, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball, offering student-athletes from higher education institutions across Europe the opportunity to compete at a continental level.

Across thirteen sports, student-athletes demonstrated remarkable skill, determination and sportsmanship while competing for European university titles. From the opening matches to the final contests, the Games showcased not only outstanding athletic performances but also the values of fair play, respect and friendship that define university sport. The 3x3 Basketball competition also served as the European qualifier for the FISU University World Cup, adding further significance to the programme.

The successful delivery of the competitions was further strengthened through the valuable cooperation of several European sport governing bodies, including the European Handball Federation (EHF), Rugby Europe, Badminton Europe, the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), the International Table Tennis Federation Europe (ETTU Europe), and other national federations and international partners, whose expertise helped ensure the highest sporting standards throughout the event.

Throughout the Games, participants had the opportunity to engage in much more than sport. A diverse educational programme addressed topics including youth opportunities, dual careers, innovation, artificial intelligence in sport, European citizenship, human rights, nutrition, well-being and preventive health. Cultural and social activities, together with the vibrant atmosphere across the host city and the University of Salerno campus, encouraged interaction among participants and celebrated the rich traditions of the Campania region.

Over the course of fifteen days, competition venues across Salerno, Fisciano and Baronissi came alive with excitement, determination and celebration. From early morning matches to evening medal ceremonies, the Games created a vibrant international atmosphere where sporting excellence met cultural exchange. Thousands of student-athletes, officials, volunteers and spectators shared moments of competition, support and friendship, transforming the host city into a true meeting place for the European university sports community.

The Games concluded with the Closing Ceremony, celebrating not only the sporting achievements of the participants but also the collective efforts of everyone who contributed to the successful organisation of the event. Representatives of the organising institutions and local authorities, together with EUSA President Haris Pavletic, joined athletes, volunteers and guests in marking the official conclusion of the EUG 2026. During the ceremony, special recognition was given to the international and local volunteers, whose commitment and enthusiasm were acknowledged through commemorative gifts presented by EUSA President Haris Pavletic in appreciation of their invaluable contribution throughout the Games.

Participants had the opportunity to hear the closing remarks from the Rector of the University of Salerno, Virgilio d'Antonio, Lorenzo Lentini, CUS Salerno President, Emilio di Marzio, ADISURC President, and Francesco Morra, President of the Mayor of Campagna Region. 

In his closing remarks, EUSA President Haris Pavletic, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the European Universities Games. On behalf of EUSA, he thanked the Organising Committee for their dedication, the student-athletes for their passion, determination and outstanding performances throughout the fifteen days of competition, as well as the heads of delegation, officials and partners for their invaluable support. He also extended special appreciation to the Rector of the University of Salerno and Lorenzo Lentini for their leadership and commitment, while recognising the tireless efforts of the EUSA staff and volunteers. Concluding his address, he noted that while the chapter of the European Universities Games closes in Salerno, a new one is already beginning, inviting the university sports community to reunite in Split in 2028.

One of the most symbolic moments of the evening was the lowering of the EUSA flag, followed by the official handover ceremony to the hosts of the next European Universities Games. The EUSA flag was entrusted to the representatives of Split, Croatia, host city of the European Universities Games 2028, represented by Toni Gamulin, President of the European Universities Games 2028 Organising Committee, Nikola Koceic Bilan, Rector of the University of Split, and Tomislav Suta, Mayor of Split. Addressing the audience on behalf of the future organisers, Mayor Tomislav Suta invited Europe's university sports community to reunite in Split in 2028, continuing the tradition of excellence, friendship and international cooperation established by previous editions of the Games.

The official programme concluded with farewell addresses and a musical performance, providing participants with a memorable final celebration and a fitting conclusion to fifteen days of competition, friendship and shared experiences.

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 of the European Union and the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

As the European university sports community looks ahead to the next edition in Split, Croatia, in 2028, the Games in Salerno leave behind a lasting legacy of sporting excellence, international cooperation, inclusion and lifelong friendships, once again highlighting the unique role of university sport in bringing young people together from across Europe.