The draw for the Age-Group European Water Polo Championships took place on Friday in Zagreb, setting up a thrilling summer of competition. With 30 nations participating across five host cities, the U16 and U18 tournaments promise months of intense action between Europe’s brightest young water polo talents.
Expanded Format Welcomes More Teams
This year’s championships mark a significant change in the competition format, with all participating nations getting the chance to compete in the summer finals. Unlike previous editions where teams had to battle through spring qualifiers, the new system ensures every entrant gets to play at a continental level.
The top 16 teams will compete in the Elite tournaments, while emerging nations will participate in Division One, offering a pathway for development. Notably, the top two teams from Division One will earn promotion to the Elite division in the next edition.
Men’s U18 Tournament Draws Largest Field
The Men’s U18 Championship has drawn the most participants, with 30 teams vying for glory. This event, like the Men’s U16 competition, will be split across two venues to accommodate the expanded field.
Women’s Format Introduces New Qualification Path
For the Women’s European Championships, the top eight teams have been divided into Groups A and B, while the remaining sides will compete in Groups C and D.
A new pathway has been introduced for promotion to the top division. The top two teams from Groups A and B will advance directly to the quarter-finals, while the third and fourth-placed teams must battle it out in a crossover round against the best teams from Groups C and D. The winners will not only move into the last eight but also secure a place in the top division for the next championship.
Age-Group European Water Polo Championships – Draw Results
U16 Men
📍 Elite Tournament (Manisa, 7-13 July)
- Group A: Hungary, Serbia, Spain, Türkiye
- Group B: Montenegro, Greece, Italy, Croatia
- Group C: Malta, Netherlands, Georgia, Moldova
- Group D: Germany, Romania, Israel, Poland
📍 Division One (Ljubljana, 7-13 July)
- Group A: Bulgaria, Slovenia, France, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovakia
- Group B: Czechia, Switzerland, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Bosnia & Herzegovina
U16 Women
📍 Manisa, 27 June – 3 July
- Group A: Spain, Hungary, Netherlands, Serbia
- Group B: Greece, Italy, Croatia, Germany
- Group C: Türkiye, Czechia, Slovakia, France
- Group D: Israel, Romania, Ukraine, Malta
U18 Men
📍 Elite Tournament (Oradea, 18-24 August)
- Group A: Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands
- Group B: Serbia, Spain, Montenegro, Croatia
- Group C: Türkiye, France, Romania, Poland
- Group D: Germany, Malta, Georgia, Ukraine
📍 Division One (Rio Maior, 18-24 August)
- Group A: Slovakia, Czechia, Moldova
- Group B: Bulgaria, Switzerland, Ireland, Denmark
- Group C: Israel, Great Britain, Belgium, Austria
- Group D: Lithuania, Portugal, Finland
U18 Women
📍 Gżira, 1-9 September
- Group A: Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Türkiye
- Group B: Spain, Greece, Israel, Croatia
- Group C: Serbia, Malta, Ireland, Ukraine, Germany
- Group D: Slovakia, Great Britain, Romania, Switzerland, Czechia, Bulgaria
A Summer of Fierce Competition Awaits
With an expanded format, a more inclusive qualification structure, and six tournaments across five host cities, the Age-Group European Water Polo Championships are set to deliver an unforgettable summer. As the continent’s top young athletes prepare for battle, expect dramatic matchups, rising stars, and a glimpse into the future of European water polo.
