Publication date: 22 Aug 2022
About the Men’s European Water Polo Championships
The Men’s European Water Polo Championship is an international men’s water polo tournament. It takes place every 2 years under the auspices of the LEN. The reigning European champions are Hungary, Montenegro and Spain.
2026 Men’s European Water Polo Championship
The 2026 European Water Polo Championships are among the most anticipated sporting events in the world of water sports. The tournament will bring together the best European teams to compete for the title of continental champions.
Where and when will it take place
It is currently unknown when the championship will take place. It is only known that the event will be held in Serbia.
Who will take part
The tournament will feature 16 of the strongest teams, including the current champions and teams that have qualified. The participants will include teams from Hungary, Spain, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro and other European countries.
Favorite teams
- Hungary: One of the strongest teams in Europe with a rich history and talented players.
- Spain: The current champions who are always fighting for medals.
- Croatia: A team with a strong lineup and ambitious plans.
- Italy: A constant contender for high places.
- Montenegro: A team capable of surprises and fighting with the leaders.
History of the Championship
The history of the European Water Polo Championship begins in 1926 when the first tournament took place in Budapest, Hungary. For the first time, the women’s championship was held in 1985 in Oslo, Norway.
The water polo tournament was part of the European Aquatics Championships until 1997. Since 1999, the tournament became independent and started to be held separately.
Filip Filipović is a Serbian athlete, the most decorated water polo player in the history of the European Championships.
The most titled coaches were Boris Popov (USSR), Ratko Rudić (Croatia), Dejan Savić (Yugoslavia, Serbia).
The Hungarian national water polo team became European champion 13 times.
Previous Championship results
| The year | Venue | Results/ Places |
| 2024 | Croatia | 1 – Spain
2 – Croatia 3 – Italy |
| 2022 | Croatia | 1 – Croatia
2 – Hungary 3 – Spain |
| 2020 | Hungary | 1 – Hungary
2 – Spain 3 – Montenegro |
European Water Polo Championships 2028
The next European Water Polo Championships are scheduled for 2028. The exact dates and location have not yet been announced, but the tournament is expected to retain its status as the premier event in European water polo.
Keep an eye on the dates of the water polo championships and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.
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