World Aquatics Men’s World Cup Division II under way at National Pool and Cottonera SC

The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA of Malta) will this week be hosting the prestigious World Aquatics Men’s World Cup Division II 2026.

The tournament will be held at the Cottonera Indoor Pool and the Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex, bringing together top national teams from across the globe.

Matches will be played between Tuesday and Monday, promising a week of high-level competition and sporting excellence.

ASA president Karl Izzo said in a statement that the event will be a perfect medium to promote the sport of water polo on our islands.

“The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta are honoured to have been entrusted with the organisation of the World Aquatics Men’s and Women’s World Cup Division II,” Izzo said.

“On behalf of ASA Malta, I extend a warm welcome to all delegates, referees, athletes, coaches, and team officials who will undoubtedly contribute to making this international water polo event a success.

“This event will further contribute to the promotion of water polo in Malta.”

In a statement, the ASA said that the Organising Committee is committed to delivering a world-class event in full accordance with World Aquatics rules and regulations, ensuring optimal conditions for all participants.

The 24 participating national teams in the World Aquatics Men’s World Cup Division II 2026 are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong (China), Kazakhstan, Malta, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the Neutral Independent Athletes team (NAB).

The tournament will continue through to April 13, culminating in the final matches that will determine the standings and promotion outcomes.

MATCH SCHEDULE

TUESDAY – COTTONERA INDOOR POOL

11:00 Georgia vs Turkey

13:00 Germany vs Slovenia  

15:00 China vs Great Britain

17:00 Argentina vs Hong Kong

19:00 France vs Ukraine

TUESDAY – TAL-QROQQ SPORTS COMPLEX

10:00 Romania vs Slovakia

11:30 Canada vs Singapore  

13:00 South Africa vs Portugal

15:00 Brazil vs  Neutral Independent Athletes team

16:30 Montenegro vs Kazakhstan

18:00 Australia vs Malta

WEDNESDAY – COTTONERA INDOOR POOL

11:00 Ukraine vs Hong Kong

13:00 China vs Australia             

15:00 Romania vs South Africa

17:00 Argentina vs Montenegro

19:00 France vs Canada             

TAL-QROQQ SPORTS COMPLEX

10:00 Great Britain vs Neutral Independent Athletes team

11:30 Georgia vs Brazil

13:00 Portugal vs Poland

15:00 SLO vs SVK

16:30 Turkey vs Singapore

18:00 Malta vs Kazakhstan

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

COTTONERA INDOOR POOL

11:00 Germany vs Hong Kong

13:00 Georgia vs Slovenia

15:00 China vs Turkey

17:00 Argentina vs Ukraine

19:00 France vs Poland

TAL-QROQQ SPORTS COMPLEX

10:00 Australia vs Singapore

11:30 Canada vs Portugal          

13:00 South Africa vs  Neutral Independent Athletes team

15:00 Brazil vs Kazakhstan

16:30 Montenegro vs Great Britain

18:00 Romania vs Malta