Egypt has completed logistical preparations to host 2,000 athletes from 25 countries for the 12th Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) Games this August, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced.
The Cairo 2026 games, scheduled for August 9 to 16, will feature competitions across 18 sports. Currently, 45 universities from 16 African nations have confirmed their attendance out of a targeted 70 institutions, according to Egyptian University Sports Federation (EUSF) Secretary-General Ahmed Kamel.
Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Abdelaziz Konsowa said the state has mobilised its resources to meet international organisational standards, describing the event as a tool for soft diplomacy and African integration.
Speaking online, International University Sports Federation (FISU) President Leonz Eder stated that Cairo’s successful execution of the event could serve as a gateway for Africa to host the World University Games for the first time.
FASU President Ashraf Sobhy added that hosting the games reflects Egypt’s regional standing. He also noted the support provided by Youth and Sports Minister Gohar Nabil in developing the continent’s sporting movement.
The organising committee has divided the tournament across five geographical zones in Greater Cairo to streamline logistics. Venues include Al Nadi Club in the New Administrative Capital, the American University in Cairo, Cairo University, Ain Shams University, and Helwan University. Helwan will house the primary sports village with a capacity for 1,200 participants, while the British University in Egypt will serve as a backup hotel option, Kamel said.
To verify venue readiness, Egypt conducted an operational simulation during the national Martyr Al-Rifai 53 tournament, which involved 4,000 students testing 21 sports between January 26 and February 1.
The official tournament programme comprises mandatory team sports such as football, basketball, and volleyball, alongside eight mandatory individual sports including athletics, swimming, and taekwondo, and seven optional sports. The event’s visual identity features a mascot named “Tuts Hop,” inspired by King Tutankhamun.
During the press conference, Hefny Pharmaceutical Group (HPG) Chairman Yasser Hefny announced a strategic partnership with FASU, stating the collaboration aims to support public health and university sports across the continent.
The games will also feature several side initiatives. Ministry Spokesperson Adel Abdel Ghaffar said the event will integrate with the “Study in Egypt” programme to attract African students and include a “Heritage of Nations” cultural exchange forum. Additional programmes include a “Green University” sustainability competition to manage waste and reduce carbon footprints, as well as a “Healthy Campus for Africa” initiative supervised by FISU.
