Sydney has been chosen to host the 2026 Water Polo World Cup Finals, marking a major return of world-class water polo to Australia since the 2000 Olympic Games. The tournament will take place at the historic Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from 20th to 26th July 2026, where the world’s top eight men’s and women’s national teams will compete for the title.
Bronte Halligan, captain of the Australian women’s team, expressed her excitement about playing on home ground in Sydney, describing it as a dream come true. Nathan Power, captain of the men’s team, also welcomed the announcement, looking forward to competing in front of a home crowd as Australia prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Spain enters the men’s tournament as two-time defending champions, while Greece holds the women’s title. The top three teams from the Water Polo World Cup Finals will qualify directly for the 2027 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest.
The upcoming years will also see various age group championships, including U16 and U18 competitions, highlighting the continued growth of aquatic sports worldwide.
With thrilling swimming events in 2025 and the return of world-class water polo to Sydney in 2026, fans of aquatic sports have much to look forward to.
