The European Water Polo Championships in Belgrade, 2026, are heating up as we dive into Day 8! But will the favorites continue their reign, or will we witness some unexpected upsets?
Group F: Georgia vs. Italy
Italy, the undefeated powerhouse, gears up for a potential showdown with their rivals, Greece and Croatia, but first, they face Georgia. Since Georgia's debut in 2014, Italy has consistently dominated, winning every encounter. The scores tell a tale of Italian supremacy: 15-5 in 2014, 21-1 in 2016, and so on. The closest Georgia came was a 13-12 World League qualifier loss in 2017. Italy's offensive prowess is evident, leading Group F in goals and shots, but their shooting percentage could be their Achilles' heel.
Group F: Greece vs. Türkiye
Greece, riding high after a thrilling victory over Croatia, faces Türkiye, who have already made history by reaching this stage. Their previous meetings have been one-sided, with Greece winning 21-6 in 2016 and 27-1 in 2018. But this game has a unique twist: the coaches, Vlachos and Loudis, share a Greek heritage and debuted together at the 1989 European Championships. Vlachos' coaching prowess has kept Greece at the top, while Loudis aims to replicate that success with Türkiye.
Group F: Croatia vs. Romania
Croatia, under pressure to secure a semi-final spot, faces Romania, who have an outside chance. Interestingly, their head-to-head record is tied, with Croatia's 1993 debut loss and Romania's 2010 upset. Both teams rely on their respective capital clubs, Mladost Zagreb and Steaua Bucharest, but only Mladost is excelling in the Champions League.
Classification Matches: Slovenia vs. Israel and Slovakia vs. Malta
Slovenia, after a strong showing against Slovakia, aims to continue their momentum against winless Israel. Meanwhile, Slovakia, seeking their first win, battles Malta, who defeated Israel in the first round. These matches will shape the lower bracket rankings.
And here's where you come in! Catch all the action live from Belgrade on Eurovision Sport, and be part of the excitement. Visit the official websites for schedules, results, and tickets. Follow European Aquatics Water Polo on social media for the latest updates. Will the favorites prevail, or will we witness history in the making? Share your predictions and join the conversation!
