World Aquatics has confirmed Coimbra, Istanbul and Athens as the host cities for the 2027 Water Polo World Cup, with the competition set to provide the first Olympic qualification places for Los Angeles 2028.
The women’s competition will begin in Coimbra, Portugal, in December 2026. Division 2 is scheduled for 6–13 December, followed by Division 1 from 14–19 December.
The men’s competition will then move to Istanbul, Türkiye, in January 2027, with Division 1 taking place from 11–16 January and Division 2 from 18–24 January.
The top teams from both competitions will advance to the World Cup Final in Athens, Greece, from 24–28 February 2027.
Crucially, the winners of both the men’s and women’s World Cup Finals will secure the first qualification places for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Eight teams will compete in each Division 1 tournament.
Women’s Division 1
Australia, Spain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Russia and defending champions United States.
Men’s Division 1
Greece, Croatia, Spain, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia and United States.
Division 2 is open to eligible World Aquatics member federations, with the top two teams from each competition qualifying directly for the World Cup Final.
Five teams from Division 1 will also advance, while Greece receives an automatic place in both Finals as host nation, completing the eight-team fields.
The final World Cup standings will also determine seeding for the 2027 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest.
World Cup 2027 schedule
Women
- Division 2: Coimbra — 6–13 December 2026
- Division 1: Coimbra — 14–19 December 2026
- World Cup Final: Athens — 24–28 February 2027
Men
- Division 1: Istanbul — 11–16 January 2027
- Division 2: Istanbul — 18–24 January 2027
- World Cup Final: Athens — 24–28 February 2027
Exact competition dates within the Division 1 and Division 2 windows will be confirmed after the Division 2 registration deadline on 12 October.
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