Countries

The Olympic and Paralympic Games feature participants from all corners of the globe, embodying a universal celebration of sport and humanity. It is important to note that, officially, countries do not compete at the Games, but rather teams of athletes representing their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs) or National Paralympic Committees (NPCs). The number of these committees typically exceeds the number of recognized United Nations countries, as several territories and non-sovereign states have their own independent NOCs (e.g., American Samoa, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico).

For the LA28 Olympic Games, athletes from all 206 recognized NOCs are expected to participate, and over 130 nations will send athletes to the Paralympic Games. This vast participation brings together diverse cultures and backgrounds, all united in Los Angeles under the banner of sport. The specific qualification process for team sports, such as the six-team cricket tournament or the expanded women's soccer field, will determine which nations secure a coveted spot, with many using a continental qualification system to ensure wide global representation. This structure guarantees a truly global gathering, with athletes traveling from every continent to compete for glory in 2028.