A record 15 nations will compete for places at the World Aquatics Women’s World Cup Finals in Sydney this July, as the Division II tournament gets underway in Malta on 21 April.
The six-day competition runs until 26 April, featuring an intense schedule of seven matches per day as teams chase one of two qualification spots for the Finals in Australia.
Russia returns, new nations arrive
One of the major talking points is the return of Russia to international women’s competition. Russia had previously been absent from World Aquatics events, while the men recently competed under a neutral designation. Following a recent ruling, Russian athletes will now compete under their national flag in Malta.
Three nations will compete at this level for the first time, underlining the continued global growth of the women’s game. Israel has withdrawn from the tournament.
How the tournament works
The event will use the Tournament Performance Index (TPI) system during the league phase. Rankings are determined by:
- Match results
- Goal difference
- Strength of opposition
The highest-ranked teams after the league phase will advance into the knockout rounds, where final placings will be decided.
The top two teams will qualify for the World Cup Finals in Sydney, while the Division II champion will also secure promotion to Division I for the 2027 World Cup.
The format ensures nearly every team plays daily, faces a varied level of opposition, and competes under a clear ranking system.
The competing nations
Pot 1
Argentina
Brazil
China
Canada
Great Britain
Croatia
Singapore
South Africa
Pot 2
Germany
Kazakhstan
Malta
Russia
Portugal
Turkiye
Slovakia
Nations with World Cup pedigree
Several teams in the field carry strong World Cup history.
Canada won the title in 1981, and also claimed bronze medals in 2002 and 2006.
China took bronze in 2010, while Russia finished runners-up in 1997 and 2018.
Elsewhere, South Africa, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Brazil have all recorded top-eight finishes in previous editions.
Returning from the last Division II event in Istanbul in 2024 are Croatia, Great Britain, Portugal and Turkiye.
Opening day fixtures – 21 April
- 10:00 – China vs Turkiye
- 11:30 – Great Britain vs Portugal
- 13:00 – South Africa vs Kazakhstan
- 15:00 – Argentina vs Russia
- 16:30 – Croatia vs Slovakia
- 18:00 – Canada vs Germany
- 19:30 – Brazil vs Malta
Eyes on Sydney
With qualification spots, promotion, and international momentum all on the line, Malta is set to host one of the most competitive Women’s World Cup Division II tournaments yet.
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