The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta is delighted to announce that it has been chosen to host the World Aquatics Men’s World Cup Division II 2026, a prestigious international water polo tournament taking place this April.
The competition will be held across two venues, the Cottonera Indoor Pool and the Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex, with matches running from the 7th to the 13th of April 2026. A total of 24 national teams from around the world will be taking part, promising a week of top-class water polo action.
ASA Malta President Karl Izzo said: “We are honoured to have been entrusted with hosting this event. On behalf of ASA Malta, I extend a warm welcome to all delegates, referees, athletes, coaches, and team officials. This tournament will go a long way in promoting water polo here in Malta.”
The 24 participating nations are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Malta, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the Neutral Independent Athletes team (NAB).
Malta’s Group Stage Fixtures
As hosts, Malta will be looking to make their home crowd proud with three group stage matches across the opening days of the tournament. Here is when and where you can cheer on the Maltese side:
- Tuesday 7th April — Australia vs Malta, Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex, 18:00
- Wednesday 8th April — Malta vs Kazakhstan, Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex, 18:00
- Thursday 9th April — Romania vs Malta, Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex, 18:00
Three exciting matches, three chances to get behind the home team.
Full Match Schedule
Day 1 – Tuesday 7th April
Cottonera Indoor Pool
- 11:00 – Georgia vs Türkiye
- 13:00 – Germany vs Slovenia
- 15:00 – China vs Great Britain
- 17:00 – Argentina vs Hong Kong
- 19:00 – France vs Ukraine
Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex
- 10:00 – Romania vs Slovakia
- 11:30 – Canada vs Singapore
- 13:00 – South Africa vs Portugal
- 15:00 – Brazil vs NAB
- 16:30 – Montenegro vs Kazakhstan
- 18:00 – Australia vs Malta
Day 2 – Wednesday 8th April
Cottonera Indoor Pool
- 11:00 – Ukraine vs Hong Kong
- 13:00 – China vs Australia
- 15:00 – Romania vs South Africa
- 17:00 – Argentina vs Montenegro
- 19:00 – France vs Canada
Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex
- 10:00 – Great Britain vs NAB
- 11:30 – Georgia vs Brazil
- 13:00 – Portugal vs Poland
- 15:00 – Slovenia vs Slovakia
- 16:30 – Türkiye vs Singapore
- 18:00 – Malta vs Kazakhstan
Day 3 – Thursday 9th April
Cottonera Indoor Pool
- 11:00 – Germany vs Hong Kong
- 13:00 – Georgia vs Slovenia
- 15:00 – China vs Türkiye
- 17:00 – Argentina vs Ukraine
- 19:00 – France vs Poland
Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex
- 10:00 – Australia vs Singapore
- 11:30 – Canada vs Portugal
- 13:00 – South Africa vs NAB
- 15:00 – Brazil vs Kazakhstan
- 16:30 – Montenegro vs Great Britain
- 18:00 – Romania vs Malta
The tournament runs through to the 13th of April, with the final matches deciding the overall standings and any promotion places.
ASA Malta is looking forward to welcoming the global water polo community to the island and putting on a memorable event that showcases Malta’s love of aquatic sport and its warm hospitality. Come on Malta!
