Zagreb hosting two world water polo championships this summer

(Photo: HVS)

ZAGREB, Croatia – Zagreb is preparing to welcome the next generation of international water polo talent as the Croatian capital hosts two world championships in the space of just over two weeks this summer.

The city will stage the World Championships for women’s and men’s Under-16 teams, bringing a combined 60 national teams to the Mladost swimming complex on the Sava River.

The women’s tournament will take place from 25 to 31 July, followed by the men’s competition from 3 to 9 August.

The back-to-back events will see 24 women’s and 36 men’s national teams compete in Zagreb, with many of the young players expected to become leading international stars in the years ahead, including at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.

Zagreb has established itself as an important destination for major international water polo events in recent years.

In early 2024, Zagreb and Dubrovnik co-hosted the men’s European Championship, where Croatia won the silver medal. Zagreb also hosted the European Under-19 Women’s Championship that year, with Croatia finishing fourth.

(Photo: HVS)

In 2025, the Mladost pool welcomed the world’s leading Under-20 men’s teams for the World Championship, with Croatia claiming bronze.

The 2026 events will continue that run of major international competitions, this time focusing on the youngest age category.

Both tournaments will be played at the Mladost complex, where the open-air and covered pools will be in constant use throughout the championships.

The women’s competition will feature up to 12 matches per day, with the schedule running from 10:00 until the final match at 20:35. The men’s tournament will be even busier, with as many as 18 matches scheduled each day, beginning at 08:30.

The participating teams will be accommodated at the Stjepan Radić Student Residence, located directly opposite the Mladost swimming complex. Organisers are planning more than simply accommodation, with the residence intended to serve as a social hub where young athletes from around the world can meet and spend time together.

The facilities will include shared spaces for relaxation, board games, watching matches and socialising, creating a dedicated environment for interaction between the participating teams.

(Photo: HVS)

Croatia’s women’s Under-16 team will begin its campaign against Türkiye on 25 July, followed by matches against Greece, Russia and Australia.

The Croatian men’s Under-16 team will open its tournament against Georgia on 3 August. It will then face Australia, Malta and the Netherlands in its next three matches.

Spain will arrive in Zagreb as the defending world champion in both the women’s and men’s Under-16 competitions.

(Photo: HVS)

Tickets for both championships are available through the Adriaticket ticketing system.

With 60 national teams, hundreds of young athletes and two world championships taking place in succession, Zagreb is set to become one of the international centres of youth water polo this summer.