Malta drawn with European Giants for 2026 Water Polo Championships in Belgrade

Malta’s national water polo team faces a monumental challenge at the upcoming 2026 Men’s European Water Polo Championships. The locals will be facing a formidable Group A alongside Hungary, Montenegro, and France. The draw was held on Saturday at the prestigious White Palace in Belgrade, Serbia, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling tournament between 10 and 25 January 2026.

Representing Malta at the event was Karl Izzo, President of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA), who was accompanied by Charles Portelli, national team manager. Their presence underlined Malta’s growing commitment to competing at the highest levels of European water polo.

Malta in the Group of Death

Malta will have to navigate one of the toughest groups in the competition.

• Hungary, runners-up at the recent World Championships and a historic powerhouse, bring unmatched pedigree and experience.

• Montenegro, another former world champion, consistently ranks among Europe’s top teams.

• France, a rising force, will look to continue their momentum and potentially challenge for a surprise medal.

With only the top three teams advancing to the next stage, every match will be decisive. Under the new format, results from the group stage carry forward, making Malta’s opening games crucial to their hopes of progressing.

A New Championship Format

The 2026 edition introduces a revamped two-stage group system:

1. Group Stage I (10–15 January):
   Each team plays three matches within their group.

2. Group Stage II:
   The top three teams from Group A will cross over and face the top three from Group C, which features hosts Serbia, reigning world champions Spain, the Netherlands, and Israel.

3. Only the top two teams from each merged group advance to the semi-finals.

This system heightens the stakes, as Malta could face both Olympic champions Serbia and World champions Spain if they progress.

European Representation and Development

Malta’s involvement in Belgrade extended beyond the draw.

• European Aquatics Delegates Mario Dalli and Rita Azzopardi, along with referees Alex DeRaffaele, Stefan Licari, and Juana Cauchi, attended the European Aquatics Intermediate Certification Course for Referees and Delegates, held alongside the event.

• Referees Massimo Angileri and Neville Mercieca completed the course online, further boosting Malta’s technical expertise in the sport.

During their visit, Maltese officials also held discussions with Milos Mracevic, Bureau Liaison for European Aquatics Water Polo, focusing on Malta’s ongoing development in the international water polo landscape.

Historic Venue and Future Women’s Tournament

The Belgrade Arena, a legendary venue that hosted the 2016 European Championships with a record-breaking 18,500 fans, will once again provide a spectacular setting for the men’s tournament.

Meanwhile, the Women’s European Water Polo Championships will be held separately in Funchal, Portugal, from 26 January to 4 February 2026, with the draw scheduled for 2 October 2025 in Madeira.

Men’s European Water Polo Championships – Group Draw

Group A: Malta, France, Montenegro, Hungary, Group B: Slovenia, Greece, Croatia, Georgia

Group C: Netherlands, Israel, Serbia, Spain, Group D: Turkiye, Romania, Italy, Slovakia

• The top three teams from each group advance to Group Stage II.

Looking Ahead

For Malta, competing against Europe’s elite represents both a formidable challenge and a unique opportunity to measure progress on the international stage.

ASA President Karl Izzo expressed optimism, stating that Malta’s participation in such high-level tournaments is vital for the sport’s growth locally.

“Facing teams like Hungary and Montenegro will test us to our limits, but it’s also how we grow as a team and as a water polo nation,” Izzo said.

The road to Belgrade begins now, as Malta’s players and staff prepare for a historic European campaign.