With top spots on the line the pressure is rising, while the race to the knockout stage takes a decisive turn. Day 2 of the Women’s World Championship delivers decisive clashes, rising pressure and real tests. 

In Group A, all eyes are on Australia vs. Italy, a high-stakes showdown between two powerhouses. New Zealand will look to convert their strong form into points against hosts Singapore. Over in Group B, USA and the Netherlands meet in a heavyweight battle between the last two World Champions, with control of the group on the line. China face Argentina in a must-win game. In Group C, Hungary meets Japan, while Greece faces newcomers Croatia as they look to lock in second place. Group D sees Great Britain aim to seal the deal against South Africa, while Spain continues their title campaign against a young French squad. 
With group standings hanging in the balance, Day 2 promises drama, statement wins, and plenty of goals on the road to the final eight.

Australia and Italy battle for top spot as New Zealand eyes first win
Italy edged past a strong New Zealand side on Day 1, struggling to find their rhythm in the first half. They’ll need a sharper start when they face Olympic silver medalists Australia in this Group A clash. Australia, fresh off a dominant win over Singapore, will see Italy as their first real test of the competition.

These two teams have met several times in recent months, including a 5th-place showdown at the World Cup in Chengdu—where Australia emerged victorious—and a pre-Worlds training series in Australia. With a direct Quarterfinal berth on the line, Italy will aim to hit top form, though Australia enters as slight favourites.

Hosts Singapore endured a heavy defeat at the hands of the Aussie Stingers, managing just two goals in a one-sided affair. New Zealand impressed with strong defense and a balanced offense against title contenders Italy. Despite earning no points yet, they are expected to pick up their first win against Singapore. Since finishing 9th in Doha, New Zealand has shown significant improvement and is determined to break into the top 8 for the first time since 1991.

The day will determine the top spot in Group A between Australia and Italy, while New Zealand aims to secure third place. With the match against Australia still to come, New Zealand’s path remains tough. Singapore, likely to finish last in the group, will hope to show progress from Day 1.

Group A Schedule
July 13th 2025
11:35CET Australia – Italy
13:10CET New Zealand – Singapore

Group A Standings
Australia – 1GP – 3 Points 
Italy – 1GP – 3 Points 
New Zealand – 1 GP – 0 Points 
Singapore – 1 GP – 0 Points

USA and Netherlands face off in group decider; China looks to bounce back
After a tough loss to Team USA, China looks to earn its first points against a so far underwhelming Argentinian side. Argentina was outclassed by the Netherlands in their opening game and will be hoping for a stronger performance. China, now led by Spanish coach Miki Oca—who guided Spain to Olympic gold—is aiming for a spot in the crossover round. They showed promise with a solid first half against the reigning world champions before the Americans pulled away.

The final women’s match of Day 2 will feature two of water polo’s powerhouses. The Netherlands (World Champions 2023) face Team USA (World Champions 2024) in a battle for control of Group B and a direct path to the Quarterfinals. Team USA, the most decorated women’s team in World Championships history (eight golds, eleven medals overall), brought a slightly less experienced squad to Singapore—but with five titles in the last six tournaments, they remain the team to beat.

While China targets its first win to reach the crossover stage, all eyes will be on the clash of champions as the Netherlands and USA go for the group lead.

Group B Schedule
July 13th 2025
3:00CET China – Argentina
14:45CET Netherlands – USA

Group B Standings
Netherlands – 1GP – 3 Points 
USA – 1GP – 3 Points 
China – 1GP – 0 Points 
Argentina – 1GP – 0 Points

Greece looks for first points while Hungary wants to seal the deal
Hungary came out on top in the key Group C battle against Greece, clinching victory in the final minutes with a decisive goal by Natasa Rybanska. Now sitting atop the group, they face a potentially tricky matchup against Japan.
Their last meeting at Worlds (Fukuoka 2023) was a thrilling match, with Hungary needing to go all-out in a high-paced, 47-goal contest. Japan, known for their aggressive press and exceptional speed, will aim to keep pace with the European giants.

Greece, powered by an outstanding offensive performance from Foteini Tricha, is known for their team play and scoring prowess. Having narrowly missed out on the top spot, they now face World Championship newcomers Croatia. Croatia’s debut was a one-sided affair, overwhelmed by Japan’s speed. Facing Greece, the young Croatian team will be tested against a squad bringing pace, power and technical skill to the pool.

With the key matchups played on Day 1, Group C’s standings appear mostly settled. Hungary leads the group, while Greece and Japan are poised for the crossover round. Croatia is set to compete for placement matches.

Group C Schedule
July 13th 2025
4:35 Hungary – Japan
7:45 Croatia – Greece

Group C Standings:
Hungary – 1GP – 3 Points 
Japan – 1GP – 3 Points 
Greece – 1GP – 0 Points 
Croatia – 1GP – 0 Points

Great Britain aiming to lock in second place 
Great Britain secured three vital points against France and now sit comfortably in second place. Their upcoming match against South Africa offers a chance to cement their position and secure a more favorable crossover matchup—likely against Japan rather than Greece. South Africa’s opener against Olympic champions Spain was predictably one-sided. After placing 14th at the previous World Championships, they enter the game as outsiders and are expected to compete for the 13–16 spots.

Spain looked clinical on Day 1, leaving no room for doubt in their win over South Africa. France, meanwhile, lost a crucial game to Great Britain. With top spot in the group within reach, Spain is expected to secure another three points against a young French team still gaining experience. France will hope to withstand the offensive firepower that Spain brings and find a way past the defensive wall of the Olympic champions—anchored by the impressive Terre sisters in goal.

With Spain as the clear favourite in Group D and the decisive clash between Great Britain and France already played, the group standings appear largely settled. South Africa will aim to tighten their defense as they face a strong-looking British team, while France will most likely finish third.

Group D Schedule
July 13th 2025
6:10CET Great Britain – South Africa
10:00CET Spain – France

Group D Standings:
Spain – 1GP – 3 Points 
Great Britain – 1GP – 3 Points 
France – 1GP – 0 Points 
South Africa – 1GP – 0 Points

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