The South American Games Santa Fe 2026 will begin on September 12 with 492 athletes from Peru. The South American Games will run until September 26 in Argentina. Peru is competing with 265 men and 227 women. More than 4,000 athletes from 15 countries are participating in the competitions. The main venues are Santa Fe, Rosario, and Rafaela.
South American Games Santa Fe 2026: Peru with a larger team
Peru is traveling to Argentina with a significantly larger team than in 2022. At the South American Games in Asunción that year, 377 Peruvian athletes were registered. There, Peru won a total of 74 medals, including 19 gold, 18 silver, and 37 bronze medals.
At Santa Fe 2026, this result is to be improved. At the same time, the competitions are important for qualifying for the Pan American Games Lima 2027. In several disciplines, corresponding starting places will be awarded.
Alexandra Grande and David Bardalez are flag bearers
Karateka Alexandra Grande and weightlifter David Bardalez have been named Peruvian flag bearers. Grande won gold at the Pan American Games in 2015 and 2019, and silver in 2023 in Santiago. Bardalez won bronze in weightlifting at the Pan American Games Lima 2019.
Stefano Peschiera competes for Peru
Among the most famous participants is Stefano Peschiera. The sailor won bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the ILCA 7 class. Marathon runner Cristhian Pacheco is also part of the Peruvian squad. He won the marathon at the Pan American Games in 2019 and 2023.
Gladys Tejeda, another internationally successful Peruvian long-distance runner, is also competing. In sports shooting, Nicolás Pacheco, among others, is competing. He reached sixth place in skeet at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Peru also competes in surfing
Surfing is included in the program of the South American Games for the first time. Peru is relying on Itzel Delgado, among others. Peru also has medal chances in waterskiing. Natalia Cuglievan has already won two gold medals at Pan American Games. U21 world champion Cristhiana De Osma is also part of the Peruvian team.
Competitions until September 26
The competitions will mainly be held in Santa Fe, Rosario, and Rafaela. Individual sports will take place at other locations in Argentina. PeruMagazin lists other important sports dates in the event calendar.
For Peru, the Games are also an important step towards Lima 2027. The Peruvian women's handball national team recently gained international competition experience at the IHF Nations Trophy in Lima. Peru's volleyball national team is also currently fighting for important international starting places.
The South American Games Santa Fe 2026 will end on September 26. By then, it will become clear whether Peru can surpass its 74 medals from Asunción 2022. Another major sporting event, the Pan American Games, will follow in Lima in 2027.
Data for the South American Games 2026
Period: September 12 to 26, 2026
Host: Argentina
Main locations: Santa Fe, Rosario, and Rafaela
Participating countries: 15
Total athletes: more than 4,000
Team Peru: 492 athletes
Women from Peru: 227
Men from Peru: 265
Peru's medals 2022: 74
Frequently Asked Questions about the South American Games Santa Fe 2026
When will the South American Games Santa Fe 2026 take place?
The Games will run from September 12 to 26, 2026 in Argentina.
How big is the team from Peru?
Peru is competing with 492 athletes. The delegation includes 265 men and 227 women.
How many medals did Peru win in 2022?
At the South American Games 2022 in Asunción, Peru won 74 medals, including 19 gold medals.
Who will carry the flag for Peru?
Karateka Alexandra Grande and weightlifter David Bardalez have been named flag bearers.
Sources and Image Credits
Peruvian Olympic Committee: Team Perú at the XIII South American Games Santa Fe 2026.
Organizing Committee Santa Fe 2026: Dates, venues, and competitions.
EFE, September 10, 2026: Peru's team, medal goals, and important athletes at Santa Fe 2026.
Hero image source: Government of Peru / Peruvian Institute of Sport, September 4, 2026, Team Perú for the South American Games Santa Fe 2026.
