Croatia to host first-ever 4×4 world water polo championship

The city of Dubrovnik will host the first-ever Open Water Polo 4×4 (WP4) Championship from 31 August to 6 September 2026, marking the global debut of the new and innovative format.

The announcement was confirmed following an official meeting in Dubrovnik, where city officials, international sports representatives, and local water polo leaders gathered to formalise the agreement.

During the visit, Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković received the President of World Aquatics Husain Al-Musallam, alongside the President of the Croatian Swimming Federation and Vice-President of European aquatic sports, Josip Varvodić, as well as representatives of VK Jug Adriatic osiguranje.

An agreement between World Aquatics and VK Jug Adriatic osiguranje was signed in the presence of city officials, officially confirming Dubrovnik as the host city for the inaugural WP4 event.

The WP4 4×4 format is designed to introduce a faster, more dynamic version of traditional water polo, aligned with modern sporting trends and audience engagement.

The competition will take place in Dubrovnik’s Old City harbour, a location of symbolic importance for the city’s long-standing water polo tradition.

Organisers expect participation from national teams from several countries, as well as masters club teams, underlining the international scope of the event.

(Photo: Grad Dubrovnik)

Officials highlighted that hosting the WP4 championship will further enhance Dubrovnik’s post-season sporting calendar and strengthen the city’s position as a destination for international sporting events.

Water polo holds a strong cultural and sporting significance in Dubrovnik, supported by the success of VK Jug Adriatic osiguranje and a long tradition of amateur competitions, including the well-known Divlja liga.

The city has in recent years expanded its portfolio of international sporting events, including the E1 Series Dubrovnik GP and the Dubrovnik Open, reflecting a broader strategy to develop sports tourism and extend the tourist season beyond peak summer months.