World Aquatics has released the latest Women's Water Polo World Rankings. Olympic champions Spain remain at the top as they head into the 2026 season.

With both their men's and women's teams, Spain currently holds the top spot in the respective world rankings as the 2026 season unfolds.

Image Source: Bea Ortiz of Team Spain is challenged by Jewel Roemer of Team USA in the Women's Water Polo Bronze Medal Match at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Building on their strong position, Spain's women's team reached the semi-finals of the Water Polo tournament at the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025, where they went on to defeat the USA in the bronze medal match.

Image Source: Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

Nona Pérez is the reigning European Women’s Water Polo Player of the Year. She has been central to Spain's rise and expressed pride at seeing her team stay on top.

“Retaining the No.1 ranking is something we are incredibly proud of as a group. This comes from the hard work, dedication and belief we have shown over many years,” Pérez said.

“The level of women's water polo globally is growing all the time. We will not take anything for granted. We are focused on improving and competing at our very best whenever we step into the water.”

Image Source: Vivian Sevenich of Team Netherlands competes for the ball at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore (Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the Netherlands remain Spain's closest challengers in second place, bolstered by their successful defence of the European title in Funchal (POR) in February.

Following closely, world champions Greece move up to third after their first gold at the World Aquatics Championships since 2011. Hungary secures fourth place, claiming both silver medals at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore and the European Championships in Funchal.

As Spain and the Netherlands dominate the top spots, the USA now drop to fifth and aims to climb back up this year, followed by Italy in sixth, Australia in seventh and France in eighth.

Great Britain and China round out the current top ten, holding the ninth and tenth positions from last season.

The 2026 Women's Water Polo World Cup season is already underway, beginning last week with the Division 2 tournament in Malta from 21-26 April. Next, the world’s best teams will go head-to-head in the Division 1 tournament in Rotterdam (NED) from 1-6 May.

Teams will have the opportunity to climb the World Rankings. They can also chase places at the World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals in Sydney (AUS) from 22-26 July.

#FanVote | The Elite Eight: Women’s World Cup Power Rankings

With the Women's Water Polo World Cup Division 1 tournament getting underway in Rotterdam, Netherlands, we want to hear from the fan's perspective: how do you have the top-eight teams positioned in your personal power rankings.