Draw results for the men's and women's water polo tournament at the World Aquatics Championships - Fukuoka 2023

 

Written by: Torin Koos, World Aquatics Communication Manager

Image Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

The highly anticipated team draws of the men’s and women’s water polo tournaments for the 20th edition of the World Aquatics Championships - Fukuoka 2023 took place in Athens on Tuesday night.

With the Women's Water Polo World Cup 2023 underway in the Greek capital, sports luminaries and teams were in attendance for the men's and women's water polo tournament draw to the World Aquatics Championships. From 16-29 July, the world's 32 best teams (16 men's/16 women's) will be vying for the global title.

 

Men's Draw Results

The reigning men's world champions from Spain were drawn into Group D as they start their title defence against Montenegro, South Africa and the defending Olympic champions of Serbia.

The four-time world champions of Italy - winners of the 2022 Water Polo Super Final and silver medalists from the Budapest 2022 worlds - were drawn into Group B with Canada, China and France. 

Greece - the bronze medallists from Budapest 2022 who also played in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games final - feature in Group A where they will play Australia, Kazakhstan and the USA.

Former World Aquatics Championships winners Croatia (Budapest 2017, Melbourne 2007) and Hungary (Barcelona 2013, Barcelona 2003, Belgrade 1973) headline Group C where they will take on Brazil and the host nation Japan.

 

Women's Draw Results

The Team USA women come into the Fukuoka seeking their fifth-consecutive world championship water polo gold medal to extend their all-time title tally to eight. Drawn into Group A, the Americans will start their title defense against Australia, China and France.

Reigning World Aquatics Championships silver medallists Hungary seek their first global title since Montreal 2005 and will start their play in Group D against Canada, New Zealand and host nation Japan.

Budapest 2022 bronze medallists from the Netherlands feature in Group B where they take on Israel, Kazakhstan and the reigning Women's Water Polo Super Final champions of Spain.

Group C features Brazil, Greece, South Africa and Italy.