Hungary’s remarkable run in international water polo could reach new heights this week as their U20 women’s team aims to defend its world title in Salvador, Brazil.
After winning two silver medals at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships and seeing the junior men finish fourth earlier this year, Hungary is firmly positioned as one of the sport’s global powerhouses. A second consecutive junior women’s world title would be another milestone in an extraordinary season.
Hungary’s rise
Two years ago in Coimbra, Portugal, Hungary claimed its first U20 women’s world title, edging Spain in the final. Prior to that triumph, their best finish had been silver in 2011. The Hungarians also boast three bronze medals (including 2021) and three fourth-place finishes in the competition’s history.
Spain, their recent rival, has been a regular finalist – winning in 2011 and 2021, and finishing runner-up in the last edition. The USA and Australia, however, remain the most decorated nations at this level, with eight and seven total medals respectively.
The USA, led by Singapore 2025 Media All Star Emily Ausmus, is chasing a fifth crown – their first since 2015. Meanwhile, Greece arrive brimming with confidence after their senior women won both the World Cup and World Championships this year, with several world champions now stepping into the U20 arena.
Tournament format
The top eight teams from 2023 have been placed into the two top-tier groups, while the rest face a tougher route to the quarter-finals – needing to win their group and then overcome a fourth-placed side from the upper bracket.
Groups:
- Group A: Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Israel
- Group B: Hungary, Greece, USA, Italy
- Group C: Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Croatia
- Group D: Canada, South Africa, China, Australia
From the lower groups, Croatia, China, and Australia are tipped to challenge strongly.
Medal history
Since the tournament’s inception in 1995, ten nations have reached the podium. The medal table is led by:
- USA – 4 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze
- Australia – 2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze
- Russia – 3 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
- Spain – 2 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze
- Netherlands – 1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze
- Hungary – 1 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze
- Greece – 1 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze
- Canada – 1 gold, 1 silver
- China – 1 silver
- Italy – 1 bronze
Only USA, Australia, and Spain have reached five gold-medal matches.
What to watch
The likely title contenders will come from Groups A and B, with Hungary, Spain, USA, and Greece all fielding line-ups stacked with international experience. However, history shows this competition produces its share of surprises – and several nations will view Salvador 2025 as a launchpad for LA 2028 Olympic hopefuls.
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