by MND staff
Mexico is off to a commanding start at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in the Dominican Republic, reinforcing its status as the region’s powerhouse as the centennial competition progresses.
The Games opened at Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium in Santo Domingo. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee, they are the oldest regional multi-sports competition in the world. Running through August 8, the event marks the centennial of the Games, which debuted in Mexico City in 1926. Over 6,000 athletes from 37 countries and territories are competing across 40 sports.
Mexico remains the only nation to appear in all 25 editions and is the two-time defending champion, holding 13 titles overall. Past dominant runs include:
- 2018 (Barranquilla): 132 golds and 341 total medals.
- 2023 (San Salvador): 145 golds and 353 total medals.
- All-time best haul: 375 medals at the 2010 Games in Mayagüez.
Dominating the competition
Mexico sits comfortably atop the medal table well ahead of competitors like Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. Early success relies heavily on familiar strengths:
- Taekwondo: Secured 14 podium finishes, featuring gold medals for Daniela Souza and Iker Casas.
- Shooting: Flag bearer Gabriela Rodríguez took the women’s skeet crown, while Luis Gallardo won the men’s event.
- Open water swimming: Paulo Strehlke captured gold in the 10-kilometer race.
- Other disciplines: Rowers Melissa Márquez and Aylin Ibarra each claimed three gold medals, alongside finishes in badminton and rhythmic gymnastics.
The program also features basketball, soccer, baseball, cycling, diving, and esports making their debut.
A stepping stone to Los Angeles 2028
Mexico views its strong performances in Santo Domingo as a vital stepping stone toward the Los Angeles Summer Games in 2028. To help achieve this, the country sent a delegation of over 600 athletes, deploying their top teams in key sports like diving, open water swimming, cycling, and taekwondo.
Ahead of the event, the Mexican delegation participated in a send-off ceremony led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. The nation’s next major multi-sport test will follow at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, in July 2027.
