The World Aquatics Men’s Water Polo World Cup 2026 (Division 2) concluded for the Maltese national team on Monday, as they faced Canada in a hard-fought battle for ninth place. Despite a resilient performance at the National Pool Complex, Malta ultimately lost 14-12.
The match began as a uphill climb for the hosts, with Canada surging to an early lead in the first session. However, Malta’s “never-say-die” attitude was on full display as they mounted a significant fightback in the later stages of the game.
The scoring was led by Julian Valletta and Ivan Nagaev, who each netted three goals. They were well-supported by:
- Elijah Schembri (2 goals)
- Jeremy Abela (2 goals)
- Jake Cachia (1 goal)
- Benji Cachia (1 goal)
While the final result against Canada was a narrow defeat, Malta’s campaign was marked by several standout moments, including a dominant 19–7 victory over Kazakhstan earlier in the week and a thrilling 16–15 win against Brazil. Placing 10th in such a competitive international field underscores the continued growth and potential of Maltese water polo on the global stage.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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