The unveiling of the competition dates for the World Aquatics Championships – Budapest 2027 and the World Aquatics Masters Championships – Budapest 2027 marks a pivotal moment both for athletes and aquatics enthusiasts worldwide. These not only mark crucial preparation stages but also set the stage for potential record-breaking performances and qualification opportunities for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Budapest is set to reaffirm its status as one of the world’s premier hosts of major aquatic events as it prepares to stage both the World Aquatics Championships and World Aquatics Masters Championships in 2027.
Following detailed coordination with athletes, national federations, broadcasters, and event stakeholders, World Aquatics and the Budapest 2027 Organising Committee have confirmed the competition dates for each sport.
World Aquatics Championships – Budapest 2027
The World Aquatics Championships are scheduled from 26 June to 18 July 2027, promising an intense 23 days of competition where elite athletes will showcase their talents across six aquatic sports. Early July will spotlight open water battles, while mid-month will feature thrilling pool finals that crown the champions. Over 2500 athletes from more than 200 countries are expected to compete.
- Water Polo: 26 June – 9 July
- Diving: 26 June – 4 July
- Open Water Swimming: 3 – 8 July
- High Diving: 8 – 11 July
- Swimming: 10 – 18 July
- Artistic Swimming: 10 – 17 July
The Championships will bring together the world’s leading athletes as they compete for world titles in the most prestigious event on the international aquatics calendar.
From Felipe Perrone's decisive goal securing Spain's water polo gold and Summer McIntosh capturing four individual swimming golds alongside a bronze for Canada, to Florian Wellbrock's flawless sweep of four golds in open water events for Germany, the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore ignited the imagination of fans with breathtaking performances, setting a high standard that Budapest 2027 aims to emulate.
World Aquatics Masters Championships – Budapest 2027
At the 2025 World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore, swimmers rewrote the record books, with 30 Masters World Records and 129 Masters Championship Records.
Intertwined with the elite competition, the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Budapest 2027 will celebrate the lifelong journey in aquatic sports. Masters athletes from around the world will not only compete and share their passion, but they will also join the current global aquatic stars in a showcase of enduring commitment and emerging talent. This event unites master-aged athletes, passing on their legacy and inspiring future champions, amplifying inclusivity across generations. Over 8000 athletes from more than 180 countries are expected to compete.
- Artistic Swimming: 26 – 30 June
- Open Water Swimming: 29 – 30 June
- Swimming: 3 – 9 July
- Diving: 5 – 10 July
- Water Polo: 11 – 17 July
The Championships promise a celebratory atmosphere, displaying inclusivity and the vibrant participation of athletes spanning generations, making Budapest 2027 a memorable global gathering for the aquatics community. Imagine the roar echoing across the Danube as crowds cheer on their favourite athletes, feeling the electric excitement that unites everyone present.
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam emphasised the importance of the schedule announcement for both elite and master-aged athletes.
“The confirmation of the competition schedule for Budapest 2027 is a significant milestone for athletes, organisers and sports fans,” World Aquatics President Al Musallam said. “Budapest has a proven history of delivering exceptional aquatic events, and we are confident that the World Aquatics Championships and World Aquatics Masters Championships in 2027 will provide outstanding competition environments for athletes at every stage of their sporting journey. We invite the global community to join us on this exciting journey and to support athletes of all ages as they aim for excellence.”
Hungary’s History Hosting Epic Aquatic Sports Events
Hungary's strong tradition in aquatics excellence dates to Alfred Hajos, the first Olympic swimming champion, at the Athens 1896 Games.
Since 1995, Hungary has hosted major World Aquatics events, including two World Aquatics Championships (2017, 2022), the Masters Championships (2017), and the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (2024).
Budapest’s revered Duna Arena was the setting for athletes as they went on to set 30 World Records in the 25m pool at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships. The Arena was also home to one of the most transcendent moments of the 2022 World Aquatics Championships when Budapest-native Kristof Milak reset the World Record in the 200m Butterfly Final to 1:50.34 in front of a sold-out crowd in his home pool. In 2027, the Duna Arena will be the home for the diving and artistic swimming competitions.
Sandor Wladar, President of the Hungarian Swimming Association and a former Olympic swimming gold medallist, highlighted the importance of Hungary hosting its third edition of the World Aquatics Championships.
“The confirmation of the sport-by-sport competition dates provides important clarity for athletes, teams and national federations as they begin their long-term planning for Budapest 2027,” Wladar said. “Each milestone brings us closer to delivering a Championship that will unite athletes and fans from Hungary and around the world over 23 days of world-class aquatic sport. Our previous experiences hosting the World Aquatics Championships have created a strong foundation, and we are fully committed to delivering another outstanding edition in 2027.”
More Information to Come
Further details on the competition schedules, ticketing, and event services will be communicated at later dates as preparations for Budapest 2027 continue. Mark your calendars for mid-2026 when ticket information will be released. This will ensure fans do not miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting global event.