Panama Prepares to Host the IV South American Youth Games 2026
Panama is set to host the IV South American Youth Games in 2026, welcoming over 2,000 athletes aged 14 to 19 from 15 South American countries. This marks the first time Panama has hosted the event, solidifying its position as a leading sports and tourism destination in the region.
Event Details and Schedule
The games will accept place from April 12 to 25, 2026, featuring athletes from Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Curaçao, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Panama. The event is organized by Panam Sports [Panam Sports].
Venues and Infrastructure
Competitions will be held across several state-of-the-art facilities in Panama City, including:
- Irving Saladino Sports City
- The High Performance Center (CAR) of Pandeportes
- Atheyna Bylon “Tierra de Campeones” Arena
- Panama Convention Center
- Panama Golf Club
- Playa Venao
- Fred Maduro Tennis Complex
The High Performance Center (CAR) is in its final construction phase and is expected to be completed by March 2026 [Ours Abroad News].
Sports Program
The 2026 South American Youth Games will feature 24 sports, including football, baseball, golf, surfing, chess, 3×3 basketball, table tennis, karate, boxing, flag football, wrestling, and futsal [Ours Abroad News].
Peruvian Judo Team Participation
The Peruvian Judo Sports Federation has received official authorization to participate in the games, with competitions scheduled from April 13th to 16th, 2026 [Archyde]. This participation is seen as a crucial step for developing young Peruvian judo talent and preparing them for future Olympic success.
First South American Youth Games Village
A significant milestone of the Panama 2026 games will be the creation of the first-ever South American Youth Games Village, providing a single location for accommodation for all participating delegations [Business Panama].
Looking Ahead
Panama aims to deliver a unique sporting experience that celebrates youth, diversity, and regional unity through the South American Youth Games 2026. The event is expected to boost Panama’s profile as a key sports, tourism, and logistics hub in South America.