The competitions present an exciting opportunity for National Federation members of World Aquatics to host the world’s best water polo players while elevating the sport's profile within their country and playing a key role in developing the global water polo community.

Additionally, hosting such prestigious events undoubtedly attracts international visitors, stimulates local economies and provides a platform for federations to showcase their facilities and organisational capabilities to a global audience. 

Event Calendar Consistency Ensured Through Early Bid Process

The early initiation of this bid process ensures that interested federations have sufficient time for thorough planning and preparation, with thorough attention to logistics, infrastructure, and promotional activities, guaranteeing a world-class event. 

The consistency of calendaring event dates through the 2024-208 international water polo seasons brings additional scheduling benefits for World Aquatics Continental Associations and National Federations, a point highlighted by World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam.

“Locking in the international water polo calendar, knowing when and where we are going to play from now through to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is a welcome benefit for all teams, players and organisations going forward. Our stakeholders have asked for this, and we are ready to deliver.

“For event hosts, this gives them the time and certainty to plan and execute marquee events that attract top-level sponsors, partners, and the best crowds.   

“This also puts World Aquatics in an advantageous position: we will plan competition team travel with sustainability in mind while also giving broadcasters, suppliers and our partners ample runway to promote these events to the public in the best way possible,” added President Al-Musallam. “This is how we grow the role and reach of the beautiful game of water polo globally.” 

Expression of Interest | 3 June 2024 Deadline

World Aquatics has invited National Federations to participate in the bidding process for these competitions. Federations have until 3 June 2024 to submit an Expression of Interest.

World Aquatics will provide further details and full technical requirements by 30 June 2024 upon receipt of Expressions of Interest. 

The available water polo tournaments to host are: 

2025 Calendar 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 2 (Men) – 19-21 December 2024 (3 days)

Water Polo World Cup – Division 2 (Women) – 16-18 December 2024 (3 days)

Water Polo World Cup – Division 1 (Men) - 6-11 January 2025 (6 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 1 (Women) – 14-19 January 2025 (6 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Final (Men) – 18-20 April 2025 (3 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Final (Women) – 25-27 April 2025 (3 days) 

2026 Calendar 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 1 (Men) – 5-10 January 2026 (6 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 1 (Women) – 13-18 January 2026 (6 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 2 (Men) – 15-17 December 2025 (3 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 2 (Women) – 18-20 December 2025 (3 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Final (Men) – 10-12 April 2026 (3 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Final (Women) – 17-19 May 2026 (3 days) 

U18 Water Polo World Championships (Men) – 28 June-5 July 2026 (8 days) 

U18 Water Polo World Championships (Women) – 10-16 August 2026 (7 days) 

2027 Calendar 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 1 (Men) – 4-9 January 2027 (6 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 1 (Women) – 12-17 January 2027 (6 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 2 (Men) – 14-16 December 2026 (3 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 2 (Women) – 17-19 December 2026 (3 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Final (Men) – 9-11 April 2027 (3 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Final (Women) – 15 April 2027 (3 days) 

U20 Water Polo World Championships (Men) – 13-20 June (8 days) 

U20 Water Polo World Championships (Women) – 9-15 August (7 days) 

2028 Calendar 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 1 (Men) – 4-9 January 2028 (6 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 1 (Women) – 11-16 January 2028 (6 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 2 (Men) – 10-12 December 2027 (3 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Division 2 (Women) – 16-18 December 2027 (3 days) 

Water Polo World Cup – Final (Men) – March 2028 

Water Polo World Cup – Final (Women) – March 2028 

U16 Water Polo World Championships (Men) – 12-18 June 2028 (7 days) 

U16 Water Polo World Championships (Women) – 12-18 June 2028 (7 days) 

U18 Water Polo World Championships (Men) – 26 June-2 July 2028 (7 days) 

U18 Water Polo World Championships (Women) – 7-13 August 2028 (7 days)