Sydney to Host 2026 World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals

The world’s best men’s and women’s water polo nations are set to descend on Sydney in July 2026, as Australia’s largest city hosts the 2026 World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals from 20–26 July.

The Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, an iconic venue rich in Olympic history, will once again take centre stage for world-class water polo.

Australia’s women’s national team captain and Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist, Bronte Halligan, expressed her pride and excitement at the announcement.

“I am so excited that Sydney will host the World Cup in 2026.” 

“Having the chance to play in my hometown, in front of family and friends, means so much to us.

“The Sydney Olympic Pool holds such special memories for Australian water polo, and this is a wonderful opportunity to inspire the next generation,” Halligan said.

Aussie Sharks captain, Nathan Power, shared similar enthusiasm, highlighting the rare chance for Australian athletes to perform before a home crowd.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the top water polo nations to Australia next year. Playing at home is a privilege we don’t often get, and this will be a huge boost for our sport,” Power said.

The venue was the site of one of Australia’s most memorable sporting moments when the Aussie Stingers captured the first-ever women’s water polo Olympic gold medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, marking the sport’s Olympic debut.

This event marks Sydney’s first time hosting the Water Polo World Cup Finals and the first world-class aquatics competition in Oceania since the 2022 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Melbourne.

The announcement reaffirms Australia’s growing stature as a global aquatics destination and its continuing journey toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The event will feature the top eight men’s and women’s national teams competing for global supremacy, with Sydney promising a week-long festival of elite water polo action and community engagement.

As part of World Aquatics’ commitment to growing the sport across regions, the tournament in Sydney is expected to attract international fans and spotlight Australia’s strong aquatics legacy from the Sydney 2000 Games to the next generation on the road to Brisbane 2032.

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