The 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore mark a pivotal moment for women’s water polo — the first major international tournament since the Paris Olympics and a chance for teams to reset, rebuild, or reinforce their dominance on the world stage. With 16 nations competing, every group-stage match matters, especially with only the group winners guaranteed a direct path to the quarterfinals.
Day 1 kicks off with Olympic champions Spain taking on South Africa in the tournament opener. But the headline clash will be Greece vs. Hungary — a meeting between two European powerhouses fighting for early control of Group C. The winner will take a significant step toward topping the group and avoiding the high-stakes crossover matches that await the second- and third-placed teams. Meanwhile, fourth-placed teams in each group will compete in the classification rounds for places 13–16.
Australia and Italy headline Group A at the Women’s World Championships in Singapore
Australia and Italy are the standout teams in Group A. After winning Olympic silver at last year’s Games in Paris, Australia is expected to show their class and build on that success by aiming for gold in Singapore. The Aussie Stingers last medaled at a World Championship in Gwangju 2019, where they earned bronze. Now, they’re looking to prove their consistency and deliver when it matters most. Head coach Becca Rippon brings a balanced squad to Singapore, headlined by team captain Bronte Halligan, center forwards Tilly Kearns and Daniela Jackovich, and sharpshooter Alice Williams.
Their opening match against host nation Singapore should set off a solid start to settle into the tournament before the key clash against Italy.
Meanwhile Italy will open their campaign against New Zealand’s “White Caps” on Day 1 before taking on Australia. Likely due to a significant generational shift within the squad, Italy has shown to be in somewhat unpredictable form in recent tournaments. Several athletes are making their senior debuts, and only five players on the roster bring Olympic experience. The Setterosa’s biggest test will come on July 13, when they face Australia. A rematch of this years 5th-6th place game at the World Cup in Chengdu, where Australia won to finish in 5th position. But first, they’ll need to get past a spirited New Zealand team that has looked prepared and in good form in recent training matches.
While the White Caps feature several players from Europe’s top leagues and are anchored by last year’s World Championships top scorer, Morgan McDowall, who recently suited up for Mataró in Spain, they’re not to be underestimated.
Singapore, supported by a home crowd, is expected to play for placement matches after the group stage. The team finished 16th at last year’s World Championships in Doha—its first-ever appearance at a World Aquatics World Championships.
Schedule:
July 11th 2025
11:35 CET Italy – New Zealand
13:10 CET Singapore – Australia
Group B: USA and Netherlands set for high-stakes rematch
Before Day 2 brings the highly anticipated clash between two of the most decorated teams in women’s water polo, USA and the Netherlands, Team USA must first get past China.
Missing several key players, including team captain Maggie Steffens and fellow Olympic gold medalists Ashley Johnson and Maddie Musselman, the Americans arrive in Singapore with a mix of young talents and experienced players. Despite their recent fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics, the eight-time world champions remain a formidable force. With just as many world titles as the following five teams combined, Adam Krikorian’s squad is aiming to add to that legacy.
While this American side may be less experienced than recent American teams, they are never to be underestimated. Known for overcoming adversity, Team USA thrives in high-pressure situations. China, the reigning Asian champion, placed 8th at this year’s World Cup and will look to challenge the Americans, but enter the matchup as underdogs.
The second Group B match will feature the Netherlands taking on Argentina. As one of the tournament favourites, the Dutch are expected to dominate the game, coming to Singapore with high speed, offensive precision, and defensive strength. The reigning 2024 European champions bring a balanced roster, including several Olympic bronze medalists from Paris, combining international experience with rising talents. Having only qualified for the tournament twice before and never finishing inside the top 10 (12th in 2022, 16th in 2023), Argentina enters Group B as the clear outsider.
The groups most anticipated matchup comes on Day 2, when USA and the Netherlands meet in a rematch of last year’s Olympic bronze medal game. In that match, the Dutch edged out the Americans to claim the medal, while ending the USA’s streak of podium finishes at every Olympic Games.
Schedule:
July 11th 2025
4:35 CET Argentina – Netherlands
6:10 CET USA – China
Hungary and Greece face off early in battle for top spot in Group C
Group C starts with a clash, as Hungary and Greece face each other on Day 1 in a game likely to decide the group’s top spot.
Greece is eager to prove themselves on the world stage and show they can compete at the highest level. Their best result in the past decade was a 4th-place finish at last year’s World Championships in Doha. Besides that, their only World Championship medal came in 2011, when they won gold. However, their recent gold medal at this year’s World Cup in Chengdu promises an improvement under new head coach Haris Pavlidis. The Greek side arrives in Singapore determined to build on the momentum from World Cup and aim for the podium.
Their first test comes on July 11 against a strong Hungarian team. Led by outstanding team captain Rita Keszthelyi, Hungary combines veterans with talented young players, missing out on some players of their usual lineup like Greta Gurisatti. The Magyars last won the world title 20 years ago but came close in Doha, finishing as runners-up. With that in mind, Hungary is motivated to go one step further and claim gold in Singapore.
The second game in Group C features Japan versus Croatia. While Japan has regularly qualified in recent years, they withdrew from two of the last three editions due to financial issues and have yet to break into the top 10. They impressed with their results over the last few months, beating China twice at the World Cup and only losing on penalties at this years Asian Championships. Croatia, on the other hand, is making its debut at the World Championships. After steady improvements in European Championships in recent years, the young Croatian team is eager to show they belong on the global stage. This matchup will likely determine which team advances to the crossover round, while the loser is expected to play in the 13th–16th placement matches.
Schedule:
July 11th 2025
10:00 CET Japan – Croatia
14:45 CET Greece – Hungary
Spain eyes top spot in Group D; France and GB set for key clash
Spain looks set to take the top spot in Group D, as the Olympic champions bring a well-balanced and experienced team to Singapore. Their first game against South Africa will be a good start for the team under new head coach Jordi Valls, as their biggest challenges are expected to come later in the tournament.
South Africa’s best finish was 12th place in 2023, and they most likely won’t be able to match the force the Spanish team brings. Arriving with players like Europe’s Female Water Polo Player of 2024, Bea Ortiz, the Spanish side combines international experience with outstanding talent. By finishing second and third in the last two editions of the World Championship, Spain’s aim is clear: to build on their recent success and finish on top of the podium, just as they did last year in Paris.
Game two in Group D will be a fight for second and third place, as France takes on Great Britain. After a strong performance at the Paris Olympics in front of a home crowd, the French come to Singapore with a young squad, missing several of their top players such as goalkeeper Mia Rycraw, Aurélie Battu, and Orsi Hertzka. However, they have shown in recent years, that they can compete with the top nations, upsetting Italy in Paris last year.
Great Britain returned to the international stage in 2024 after a 10-year hiatus, impressing with their determination and strength. Placing 7th at the 2024 European Championship and 11th in Doha, Team GB is aiming to improve last year’s result and secure a top 10 finish at this year’s World Championships in Singapore.
Schedule:
July 11th 2025
3:00 CET South Africa – Spain
7:45 CET France – Great Britain
The action continues with Day 2 of the women’s competition on July 13th. The mens tournament starts on July 12th.
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