The official schedule for the 2026 World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals has been released, and fans won’t have to wait long to see the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers in action.

Both Australian teams are confirmed to hit the water on Day 1 and Day 2 of competition, giving fans a guaranteed chance to see the teams in action on home soil at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. 

The opening day of the tournament is the women’s quarter finals with the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers set to take on Italy from 6:30pm AEST. 

The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks will feature on Day 2 of the event when they take on European powerhouse Spain at 6:30pm AEST. 

Eight of the world’s best men’s and women’s nations will go head-to-head from 22–26 July in Sydney, in what will be the biggest water polo event on Australian soil since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

With the top three finishers in each tournament punching their ticket to the 2027 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, every cap, every goal, and every moment poolside counts.

Secure your tickets for the event here.

2026 WORLD AQUATICS WATER POLO WORLD CUP FINALS SCHEDULE

Wednesday 22 July: Women’s Quarter Finals

W1: USA v China at 3:00pm AEST

W2: Netherlands v Russia at 4:45pm AEST

W3: Australia v Italy at 6:30pm AEST

W4: Spain v Hungary at 8:15pm AEST

Thursday 23 July: Men’s Quarter Finals

M1: Italy v Georgia at 3:00pm AEST

M2: Greece v Montenegro at 4:45pm AEST

M3: Australia v Spain at 6:30pm AEST

M4: Hungary v Croatia at 8:15pm AEST

Friday 24 July: Playoffs & Women’s Semi Finals

W5: LW1 v LW4 at 11:30am AEST

W6: LW2 v LW3 at 1:15pm AEST

M5: LM1 v LM4 at 3:00pm AEST

M6: LM2 V LM3 at 4:45pm AEST

W7: Women’s Semi Final 1 (WW1 v WW4) at 6:30pm AEST

W8: Women’s Semi Final 2 (WW2 v WW3) at 8:15pm AEST

Saturday 25 July: Playoffs & Men’s Semi Finals

W9: Women’s 7th v 8th Match at 11:30am AEST

W10: Women’s 5th v 6th Match at 1:15pm AEST

M7: Men’s 7th v 8th Match at 3:00pm AEST

M8: Men’s 5th v 6th Match at 4:45pm AEST

M9: Men’s Semi Final 1 (WM1 v WM4) at 6:30pm AEST

M10: Men’s Semi Final 2 (WM2 v WM3) at 8:15pm AEST

Sunday 26 July: Women’s and Men’s Finals

W11: Women’s Bronze Medal Match (LW7 v LW8) at 12:45pm AEST

M11: Men’s Bronze Medal Match (LM7 v LM8) at 2:30pm AEST

W12: Women’s Gold Medal Match (WW7 v WW8) at 4:15pm AEST

M12: Men’s Gold Medal Match (WM7 v WM8) at 6:00pm AEST

Water Polo, Australia

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