Croatia’s women’s water polo team set for first World Championship

(Photo: Croatian Water Polo Federation)

SINGAPORE – This year’s World Aquatics Championships in Singapore mark a significant milestone for Croatian water polo, as the women’s national team makes its long-awaited debut on the world stage.

While the men’s World Championships date back to 1973, and the women joined in 1986 in Madrid, 2025 will be remembered as the first time Croatia fields both men’s and women’s senior teams at this global event.

The tournament begins on Friday, 11 July, with the women taking centre stage first. And for the Croatian women’s water polo team, just being there is already a major achievement.

Despite being a young programme – the first women’s club competitions in Croatia started in 2001 and the senior national team only formed in 2010 – their qualification for the World Championships is being hailed as a historic success.

“It doesn’t matter how the results turn out in Singapore,” said head coach Mia Šimunić. “This is already a huge victory for us.”

(Photo: Croatian Water Polo Federation)

Croatia arrives with one of the youngest squads in the tournament. Thirteen players are between the ages of 16 and 20, most of whom are also preparing for the upcoming U20 World Championships in Brazil.

Their group in Singapore is a challenging one. Croatia will face top-tier opponents in Greece and Hungary – both considered strong medal contenders – as well as Japan, known for their fast-paced, high-pressure playing style.

“Our focus is on the match against Japan,” Šimunić added. “It’s a key game for us. We’ve been preparing specifically for their style of play.”

Croatia previously defeated Japan at junior level but lost 18–26 in a senior match six months ago in Istanbul. A win over Japan would likely secure Croatia third place in Group C and a shot at the play-off round for the quarter-finals, most likely against France or Great Britain.

(Photo: Croatian Water Polo Federation)

A loss would see them play for positions 13–16, starting with a probable match against South Africa.

Regardless of results, the team is embracing the experience without pressure.

“This is a celebration of everything our players have worked for,” Šimunić said. “We want them to enjoy the moment, play freely, and show the world what Croatian women’s water polo is all about.”

Croatia’s matches:

11.07 v Japan 10am
13.07 v Greece 7:45am
15.07 v Hungary 2:45pm

All matches will be live on HRT (Croatian times shown)

(Photo: Croatian Water Polo Federation)