The Croatia women’s national water polo team have begun preparations for the 2026 European Championships, which will be held in Funchal, Portugal, from January 26 to February 5. The training camp in Split runs until December 23 and brings together a wider squad as the build-up to the tournament begins.
Head coach Mia Šimunić confirmed that the initial focus will be on physical preparation, with no friendly matches scheduled during this phase.
“This is effectively our first real gathering, although again not with everyone available. The first five days will be strongly focused on physical preparation and gym work,” Šimunić said.
Further preparations are planned for early January, including a tournament in Zagreb with France and Great Britain, followed by training matches in Hungary shortly before departure for Portugal. Croatia will compete in Group C at the Europeans alongside Italy, Turkey and Serbia, targeting a place in the knockout phase.
Squad for Split preparations
Goalkeepers:
Marta Domazet (Jadran), Ema Hanza (ŽVK Jug), Sara Frketić (ŽAVK Mladost), Ivana Lerinc (ŽAVK Mladost), Andrea Marić (Viktoria)
Centre-forwards:
Magdalena Butić (Jadran), Nina Jazvin (ŽVK Jug), Dora Kangler (Spandau 04 Berlin)
Defenders:
Matea Skelin, Nina Eterović, Aurora Stipanov, Tonka Rogulj (all ŽAVK Mladost), Roza Pešić (Bura)
Left side:
Nina Medić, Ria Glas (ŽAVK Mladost), Neli Janković, Tonia Tadić (Jadran)
Right side:
Jelena Butić (Arizona State University, USA), Iva Rožić (Cosenza, Italy), Bruna Barišić (Jadran), Nika Alamat, Alka Lulić (ŽAVK Mladost)
European Championships 2026 Homepage
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