The Battle for Water Polo Supremacy: Belgrade 2026 Heats Up!
The European Water Polo Championships in Belgrade are reaching their climax, and Day 9 promises fireworks in the pool. From rising stars to seasoned giants, every match holds the potential for drama and upsets. Let's dive into the previews, shall we?
Group Stage II: Group E - 15:30 France v Spain
Can France stem the Spanish tide? Spain, after a stumble against Serbia, has been on a rampage, dismantling the Netherlands and Montenegro with ruthless efficiency. France, unfortunately, struggled against the Serbs, leaving them vulnerable to becoming the next victim of Spain's resurgence. History favors Spain, with 13 wins out of 16 meetings since 2014. While France has managed a draw and two victories in lesser tournaments, Spain dominates on the grand stage, including a recent Olympic victory. But here's where it gets interesting: Spain's usually reliable Bernat Sanahuja is in a scoring slump, raising questions about their depth. Can France exploit this weakness and pull off an upset?
Group Stage II: Group E - 18:00 Montenegro v Netherlands
While both teams are out of semi-final contention, this match carries significant weight. Qualification for the 2027 World Championships hinges on their final ranking in Belgrade. Montenegro holds a historical edge, undefeated against the Netherlands in major tournaments, including a victory in the 2016 Europeans held right here in Belgrade. And this is the part most people miss: The coaching dynamic adds an intriguing layer. Montenegro is led by Serbian legend Dejan Savic, while the Netherlands is coached by Branko Mitrovic, a Montenegrin with a history of success in Belgrade, having guided the Dutch U18 team to the semis in 2022. Will national pride or tactical prowess prevail?
Group Stage II: Group E - 20:30 Hungary v Serbia
This is the blockbuster everyone's been waiting for. A Hungarian victory in regulation time secures their semi-final berth, while any other outcome leaves the decision until the final day. Hungary, the most successful nation in European water polo history, faces an unprecedented challenge: beating Serbia on their home turf in a European Championship. Serbia boasts a perfect record in Belgrade across three editions (2006, 2016, 2026), including a thrilling shootout win over the Netherlands on opening day. But here's the controversial take: While Serbia has dominated recent encounters, Hungary has won the last three meetings, including a historic 16-7 thrashing in 2022. With eight Serbian players having experience in the Hungarian league, familiarity could breed contempt or unexpected alliances. Will Hungary break the Belgrade curse, or will Serbia's home advantage prove decisive?
13th-16th Classification
10:15 Malta v Slovenia: Malta needs just one point to secure 13th place, but Slovenia, trailing by three points, will be fighting tooth and nail. Their head-to-head record is split, with Malta winning in 2022 and Slovenia taking revenge in 2024. Expect a tense battle with qualification implications.
12:45 Slovakia v Israel: A Malta victory in the earlier match opens the door for the winner of this encounter to claim 14th place. Slovakia, still seeking their first win, faces an Israeli team buoyed by their first points earned in a shootout victory over Slovakia. Their only previous European meeting, two years ago, saw Slovakia emerge victorious. Will history repeat itself, or will Israel continue their upward trajectory?
Don't miss a moment of the action! Catch all the live coverage from Belgrade on Eurovision Sport (https://eurovisionsport.com/). For the full schedule, results, and tables, visit the European Aquatics website (https://europeanaquatics.org/ewpc-2026/belgrade/schedule-and-results/#/schedule-bydate/ASM). Secure your tickets to witness the drama unfold live (https://tickets.rs/tour/europeanaquaticswaterpolochampionshipmenbelgrade20262321). Stay connected with European Aquatics Water Polo on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Euro.Waterpolo) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/euro.waterpolo/) for the latest news and updates.
Who do you think will emerge victorious in these crucial matches? Share your predictions and join the discussion in the comments below!
