Malta will take center stage in the international water polo scene this April as it hosts the World Aquatics Men’s Water Polo World Cup 2026 – Division 2. Scheduled from 7th to 13th April 2026, the tournament will be split between two iconic local venues: the National Pool Complex in Tal-Qroqq and the Cottonera Sports Complex.

Supported by financial aid from SportMalta, this event marks a significant milestone for the Aquatic Sports Association (ASA) of Malta, bringing high-level international competition to local shores.

#TeamMalta Fixtures

Malta’s senior national team, led by Head Coach Milan Cirovic, faces a challenging preliminary round in front of a home crowd. All of Malta’s initial group matches are scheduled for 18:00 at the National Pool Complex:

• Day 1 (Tue 7 Apr): Australia vs. Malta
• Day 2 (Wed 8 Apr): Malta vs. Kazakhstan
• Day 3 (Thu 9 Apr): Romania vs. Malta

Tournament Format and Stakes

The tournament features a wide array of international talent, with 24 to 26 nations expected to compete in the men’s event. The competition follows a new League Phase format:

• League Phase: Teams play three matches based on seeding to determine rankings.
• Knockout Stage: Following the league phase, the top teams advance to a knockout phase beginning around April 10th.
• The Prize: The top two teams from this Division 2 tournament will earn qualification for the World Aquatics World Cup Super Final, held in Sydney, Australia, this July.

A Month of Elite Aquatics

This men’s tournament kicks off a busy month for Maltese aquatics. Following the conclusion of the men’s event, the World Aquatics Women’s Water Polo World Cup Division 2 will also be held in Malta from 21st to 26th April, primarily at the Tal-Qroqq complex.

For local fans, this represents a rare opportunity to witness elite global water polo and support #TeamMalta as they strive for a spot on the world stage in Sydney.