Croatia win U16 World Water Polo Championship in Zagreb

(Photo: HVS)

ZAGREB, Croatia, 10 August 2026 – Croatia’s men’s U16 water polo team have been crowned world champions after defeating Spain 10-7 in a closely fought final of the World Championship in Zagreb.

Playing in front of a home crowd, the young Barakude secured the gold medal in a dramatic finish to a match in which neither side led by more than one goal until the closing stages.

The first three quarters were evenly balanced, with both teams producing strong defensive performances. Spain moved 7-6 ahead with three-and-a-half minutes remaining, but Croatia responded immediately.

Duje Srzić levelled the score at 7-7, before Croatia took control in the final two minutes. Ante Domazet scored to put the hosts 8-7 ahead, while Deni Sappe extended the lead to 9-7 in the final minute. Patrik Kundid then scored the final goal to seal a 10-7 victory and the world title.

Goalkeeper Luko Vezilić, who celebrated his 16th birthday in Zagreb on Sunday, also played an important role during the decisive stages of the final.

Domazet was named player of the final, while Sappe received the award for best player of the tournament. The United States’ Alistair Sterrett was recognised as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

Serbia claimed the bronze medal after defeating the United States in a penalty shoot-out in the third-place match.

The triumph continues a strong period for Croatia’s youth water polo. Just 37 days earlier, Croatia’s U18 men’s team had also won the world title in their age category in Portugal.

Croatia U16 coach Bruno Sabioni praised his players after the final, saying he had confidence in the team after a month of preparation and believed they could succeed by remaining calm and playing their own game.

The Zagreb triumph represents the first and biggest international success for this generation of Croatian players.