The Hungarian men’s national water polo team, under the guidance of head coach Zsolt Varga, has announced a 23-player preliminary roster as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 World Championship in Singapore. This squad reflects a strategic blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, aiming to build upon recent successes while laying the groundwork for future triumphs.
A Balanced and Forward-Looking Squad
Coach Varga’s selection includes two notable newcomers:
- Márton Mizsei: A standout goalkeeper from Vasas, Mizsei’s exceptional performances during the spring season, particularly in the championship finals, have earned him a spot on the national team.
- Marcell Szécsi: A young center who has honed his skills in the age-group national teams and at UCLA in the United States. Notably, he is the son of three-time Olympic champion goalkeeper Zoltán Szécsi, indicating a strong water polo lineage.
Coach Varga emphasized the importance of integrating youth with experience, stating, “The goal remains to gradually rejuvenate and lay the foundations of a team that can be among the golden opportunities at the 2027 World Championships in Budapest and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”
Training and Preparation Schedule
The team’s preparation is meticulously planned leading up to their departure for Singapore on July 7:
- May 20: Training commences for players not involved in the Champions League Final Four.
- June 6: Full squad assembles, excluding Márton Vámos and Vince Varga.
- June 6–9: Joint training sessions with the Italian national team in Naples.
- June 10–13: Training and official matches with Croatia in Rijeka
- June 20–22: Participation in a four-game series in Sicily.
- June 27–29: Competing in the BENU International Tournament at Hajós Alfréd National Sports Swimming Pool in Budapest.
Márton Vámos is scheduled to join the team on June 16, while Vince Varga will arrive post his commitments with the U20 national team at the Junior World Championships in Zagreb, concluding on June 21.
Recent Performances and Outlook
Hungary’s recent performances have been commendable, securing a bronze medal at the 2025 Men’s Water Polo World Cup. They triumphed over Croatia in a closely contested match, showcasing resilience and tactical prowess. Earlier in the tournament, Hungary had a strong showing but fell to Spain in the final, highlighting areas for growth and improvement.
These experiences have provided valuable insights and motivation as the team sets its sights on the World Championship in Singapore. The blend of emerging talent and experienced players positions Hungary as a formidable contender on the global stage.
Upcoming World Championship Fixtures
In Singapore, Hungary will face the following teams in the group stage:
- Australia: A team known for its physicality and endurance.
- Japan: Noted for their speed and tactical discipline.
- Spain: A familiar and formidable opponent, having recently bested Hungary in the World Cup final.
Full Preliminary Roster
- Goalkeepers: Dániel Angyal (CN Marseille), Viktor Gyapjas (BVSC-Manna ABC), Soma Vogel (FTC-Telekom
- Field Players: Benedek Batizi (Vasas), Gergely Burián (CN Barceloneta), Kristóf Csoma (Endo Plus Service-Honvéd), Zsombor Ekler (BVSC-Manna ABC), Gergő Fekete (FTC-Telekom), Szilárd Jansik (FTC-Telekom), Péter Kovács (BVSC-Manna ABC), Krisztián Manhercz (FTC-Telekom), Márton Mizsei (Vasas), Erik Molnár (FTC-Telekom), Ádám Nagy (FTC-Telekom), Ákos Nagy (FTC-Telekom), Marcell Szécsi (UCLA), Dávid Tatrai (BVSC-Manna ABC), Vendel Vigvári (FTC-Telekom), Vince Vigvári (CN Barceloneta), Zsombor Vismeg (FTC-Telekom)
- To Join Later: Márton Vámos (FTC-Telekom) – joining June 16; Vince Varga (FTC-Telekom) – joining post-U20 World Championships
- Reserve: Péter Szalai (Genesys OSC Újbuda)
See Waterpolo 360’s Singapore 2025 World Championship Page
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