Hungary secured the final qualification place for the 2026 World Aquatics Women’s World Cup Super Final in Sydney after a dramatic final day in Rotterdam, defeating Australia 9-7 in one of the most important matches of the tournament.
Results — 2026 Women’s World Cup Division I (Rotterdam)
Classification 5-8
- Hungary 9-7 Australia
- Greece 22-16 Japan
Classification 1-4
- Netherlands 8-7 Spain
- United States of America 13-3 Italy
Final standings
- United States of America
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Italy
- Australia
- Hungary
- Greece
- Japan
The victory created a three-way tie between Hungary, Australia and reigning world and World Cup champions Greece, all finishing on six points in the 5-8 classification group. Goal difference ultimately decided qualification, with Australia finishing fifth, Hungary sixth, and Greece eliminated in seventh place despite a commanding 22-16 win over Japan later in the day.
It marks a stunning collapse for Greece, who arrived in Rotterdam as the holders of both major world titles after their dominant 2025 campaign. A heavy defeat to Australia on Tuesday proved decisive, leaving the Greeks unable to recover despite beating Hungary earlier in the week.
Hungary, meanwhile, produced a performance full of determination and resilience under assistant coach Zoltan David, who stepped in following Sandor Cseh’s suspension after his red-card outburst the previous day.
Australia made the brighter start, leading 4-3 after the opening quarter thanks to two goals from Abby Andrews, who was celebrating her 100th international appearance during the tournament. But Hungary seized control in the second period, turning the match around with aggressive defence and clinical extra-player execution.
Vanda Valyi led the charge with three goals, while Dora Leimeter’s late strike gave Hungary a crucial 7-5 halftime lead. Australia fought back in the third period through Alice Williams, narrowing the gap to one, but Krisztina Garda delivered the decisive moment of the contest with a powerful long-range finish in the final quarter to restore Hungary’s two-goal cushion.
Hungary’s player-down defence proved decisive. They successfully defended seven of Australia’s eight extra-player opportunities while converting three of their own seven advantages.
The result left Greece needing a miracle later in the evening, but even their high-scoring 22-16 victory over Japan could not save their campaign.
Despite missing both Eleftheria and Vasiliki Plevritou, Greece eventually overwhelmed the Japanese after a difficult opening quarter in which they trailed 5-2. Christina Siouti scored five goals, while Maria Myriokefalitaki added four as the Greeks responded with an eight-goal second period to take control.
Japan once again impressed offensively, reaching double figures for the fifth time in the tournament, with Eruna Ura scoring four goals and both Fuka Nishiyama and Maho Kobayashi adding three each. However, Greece’s superior depth and experience eventually proved too much.
In the 1-4 classification group, the United States confirmed top spot with a dominant 13-3 victory over Italy. Rachel Fattal starred with four goals, while Ryann Neushul continued her outstanding tournament form after later being named Most Valuable Player.
Olympic champions Spain also suffered defeat, losing 8-7 to hosts Netherlands in a tense encounter. Marit van der Weijden converted the decisive penalty with just over two minutes remaining, securing second place for the Dutch heading into Sydney.
The final standings in Rotterdam saw the United States finish first ahead of Netherlands, Spain and Italy. Australia placed fifth, Hungary sixth, Greece seventh and Japan eighth.
The Sydney Super Final quarterfinals are now set: USA will face China, Netherlands meet Russia, Spain take on Hungary, and Italy will play hosts Australia.
Several individual awards were also handed out at the conclusion of the tournament. Ryann Neushul was named MVP, Spain’s Martina Terre received the Best Goalkeeper award, Italy’s Olimpia Sesena claimed Best Young Player honours, while Hungary’s Kata Hajdu finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 18 goals.
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