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 narrowly lost 12–14, ultimately finishing the prestigious tournament in 10th place overall.

Match Highlights

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)

Tournament Reflection

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.

Community and Support

The successful staging of the World Cup in Malta was a collective effort. The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA) expressed gratitude to the volunteers, officials, and various stakeholders. Crucially, the event’s participation and hosting were made possible through significant financial aid from SportMalta.

The focus now shifts to future international commitments, with the national team looking to build on the experience gained during this high-level competition.