Hungary and Spain have secured top spots in their respective Division 1 groups at the 2025 World Aquatics Men’s U20 Water Polo Championships in Zagreb. Alongside Croatia and Serbia, they advance directly to the quarterfinals after an intense third day of action that saw high drama, big performances, and decisive victories.

Group A: Hungary Outclass Hosts to Top Group

Hungary 15–11 Croatia
(4:1, 3:2, 3:5, 5:3)

Hungary put on a dominant first-half display to defeat hosts Croatia 15–11 in the top-of-the-table clash in Group A. After a fast start, the Magyars surged to a 7–3 lead by halftime thanks to their tight defensive structure and clinical finishing. Croatia mounted a spirited comeback, levelling the score at 8–8 in the third period, but Hungary responded immediately and pulled away in the final quarter. Balogh and Pavlic were the standout scorers, each with four goals.

USA 16–10 Montenegro
(5:5, 4:1, 3:3, 4:1)

Team USA claimed third place in the group with a convincing win over Montenegro. After an evenly-matched first quarter, the Americans took control before halftime, leading 9–6. Despite a brief Montenegrin rally, USA never looked back. William Schneider led the scoring with four goals.

Final Standings – Group A:

1. Hungary – 9 pts
2. Croatia – 6 pts
3. USA – 3 pts
4. Montenegro – 0 pts

Group B: Spain Survive Greek Test, Serbia Into Quarterfinals

Serbia 14–12 Italy
(4:5, 4:3, 5:2, 1:2)

Serbia edged past Italy in a hot-tempered affair marked by exclusions and red cards. With 11 players ejected (including Serbia’s star Luka Gladovic), the game descended into a war of attrition. Italy stayed competitive, but a third-period 3:0 run gave Serbia a crucial cushion. Tommaso Cora scored four for Italy, but Andjelic’s late goal ensured Serbia’s passage to the quarterfinals.

Spain 18–17 Greece
(4:3, 6:5, 2:4, 6:5)

In a thrilling finale to Group B, Spain and Greece produced one of the matches of the tournament. Oier Aguirre starred with seven goals for Spain, who held their nerve in a back-and-forth battle. Greece led briefly late in the fourth (15:14), but Spain responded with a 4:0 run to break Greek hearts. Despite a last-gasp penalty from Lykoudis, Spain claimed a perfect record and top spot in the group.

Final Standings – Group B:

1. Spain – 9 pts
2. Serbia – 5 pts
3. Greece – 4 pts
4. Italy – 0 pts

Division 2: China Edge Canada, Knockout Picture Takes Shape

In the most anticipated Division 2 fixture of the day, China edged Canada 13–12, securing a place in the crossover round. Despite leading 9–5, China were pegged back to 12–12 late in the game. Ouyang’s decisive strike in the final 90 seconds ensured China’s progression.

Elsewhere, Germany, Iran, and Australia also advanced from their groups and will contest the crossover round, while the remaining teams will enter the 13th–16th place playoffs.

Group Standings Summary:

• Group C:
  1. Germany 6 pts
  2. Brazil 3 pts
  3. South Africa 0 pts
• Group D:
  1. Iran 6 pts
  2. Kazakhstan 3 pts
  3. New Zealand 0 pts
• Group E:
  1. Australia 6 pts
  2. Argentina 3 pts
  3. Colombia 0 pts
• Group F:
  1. China 6 pts
  2. Canada 3 pts
  3. Singapore 0 pts

Road to the Medals: What’s Next?

Crossover Round – June 17

• CO1: Iran vs Germany
• CO2: Australia vs China

Eighth-Finals – June 18

• EF1: Loser CO1 vs USA
• EF2: Loser CO2 vs Greece
• EF3: Winner CO1 vs Montenegro
• EF4: Winner CO2 vs Italy

Quarterfinals – June 19

• QF1: Hungary vs Winner EF4
• QF2: Spain vs Winner EF2
• QF3: Croatia vs Winner EF3
• QF4: Serbia vs Winner EF1

Semifinals – June 20

• Winner QF1 vs Winner QF4
• Winner QF2 vs Winner QF3

Finals – June 21

• Championship match and placement games

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