Panama to Host the South American Youth Games 2026

Panama is preparing to become the epicenter of youth sports in the region as host of the 4th South American Youth Games Panama 2026, scheduled to take place from April 12 to 25, 2026. This international event will bring together more than 2,000 athletes aged 14 to 19 from the 15 member countries of the South American Sports Organization (ODESUR).

Participating delegations will represent Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Curaçao, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Panama, in a sporting celebration that promotes youth talent, regional integration, and the South American spirit.

World-Class Sports Infrastructure and Strategic Venues

Competitions will take place across a network of state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a comprehensive and high-performance sporting experience. Key venues include:

• 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

These strategic locations combine modern infrastructure, efficient logistics, and strong international projection, positioning Panama as a competitive host for major sporting events.

Panama’s Role in Regional Sports Development

As a member of ODESUR since 1994, Panama joins the legacy of the South American Youth Games, following successful editions held in Lima (2013), Santiago de Chile (2017), and Rosario (2022).

With modern infrastructure and an innovative hosting model, Panama aims to deliver a unique sporting experience that celebrates youth, diversity, and regional unity.

The First South American Youth Games Village

One of the most significant milestones of Panama 2026 will be the creation of the first-ever South American Youth Games Village, where all participating delegations will be accommodated at a single location.

This pioneering model, made possible by Panama’s strong hotel capacity, strengthens the country’s position as an ideal host for large-scale international sporting events. The Youth Village will enhance operational efficiency, improve sustainability, and reduce the event’s carbon footprint—aligning with a modern and responsible vision of international sports organization.

A Platform for International Projection

Through the hosting of the South American Youth Games Panama 2026, the country reaffirms its capacity to organize high-impact international events, consolidating its position as a leading sports, tourism, and logistics destination in the region.