Montenegro has been selected to host the Men’s Water Polo World Cup 2025 Final, with the top eight national teams set to compete in Budva and Kotor from April 11-13. This marks a significant event for the nation, known for its strong water polo tradition, as it prepares to welcome elite competition.
Montenegro Secures Hosting Rights for Men’s Water Polo World Cup 2025 Final
Montenegro has been officially confirmed as the host nation for the Men’s Water Polo World Cup 2025 Final. The prestigious tournament, featuring the world’s top eight men’s national water polo teams, will take place in the coastal cities of Budva and Kotor from April 11-13, 2025. This announcement sets the stage for defending champion Spain to navigate familiar waters in their quest to retain their 2023 global title.
Key Takeaways
- Montenegro will host the Men’s Water Polo World Cup 2025 Final in Budva and Kotor from April 11-13.
- Defending champion Spain will aim to retain its title.
- The Netherlands and Germany have already secured their spots in the final.
- Six remaining spots are being contested in the Division 1 tournament in Bucharest.
- Montenegro has a rich history of hosting international water polo events.
Road to the Final: Qualification Underway
The battle for the eight coveted spots in the World Cup Final is intensely underway. Two teams have already secured their places: The Netherlands and Germany, who finished first and second, respectively, in the Division 2 tournament held in Istanbul, Turkiye, in December 2024.
The remaining six spots are currently being contested in the Men’s Water Polo World Cup 2025 Division 1 tournament in Bucharest, Romania. Eleven nations are vying for these positions:
- Croatia
- France
- Georgia
- Greece
- Hungary
- Japan
- Montenegro
- Romania
- Serbia
- Spain
- United States
This Division 1 tournament commenced on January 7 and is set to conclude on January 12.
Montenegro’s Water Polo Legacy
While this marks Kotor’s inaugural World Aquatics event, Montenegro boasts a distinguished history in international water polo. The nation has previously hosted several significant tournaments, solidifying its reputation as a prominent hub for the sport:
- 2022 World Aquatics European Men’s Water Polo Preliminaries
- 2016 World Aquatics Men’s U18 Water Polo Championships
- 2009 World Aquatics Men’s Water Polo World Cup Final
Tournament History and Champions
The World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup, formerly known as the FINA Water Polo World League, is an annual international tournament that began for men in 2002 and for women in 2004. Serbia leads the all-time men’s list with 10 titles, their last victory coming in 2019. Montenegro itself claimed the title in 2020. The 2021 season was not played due to the global pandemic.
In the women’s tournament, the United States has been dominant, winning the inaugural event in 2004 and entering the 2025 season as four-time defending champions. They will be aiming for a record-extending 16th gold medal. Other women’s champions include Greece (2005), Russia (2008), China (2013), and Spain (2022). The host for the Women’s Water Polo World Cup 2025 Final is expected to be announced soon.
Sources
- Montenegro set to host the Men’s Water Polo World Cup 2025 Final, World Aquatics.
