Zagreb is set to become a hub of youth water polo this summer, hosting two world championships for the Under-16 women's and men's teams. This event will bring together 60 national teams, with the women's tournament taking place from July 25th to 31st and the men's competition from August 3rd to 9th. The Mladost swimming complex on the Sava River will be the main venue, with up to 12 women's matches and 18 men's matches per day. The Stjepan Radić Student Residence will serve as a social hub for the athletes, offering shared spaces for relaxation, board games, and socializing. Croatia's women's Under-16 team will face Türkiye, Greece, Russia, and Australia, while the men's team will take on Georgia, Australia, Malta, and the Netherlands. Spain, the defending world champion in both categories, will also be in attendance. This event marks a continuation of Zagreb's recent success in hosting major international water polo competitions, including the men's European Championship and the European Under-19 Women's Championship. With hundreds of young athletes and two world championships in succession, Zagreb is poised to become a prominent center for youth water polo, with potential implications for the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane. This event is a testament to Croatia's growing reputation in the sport and its ability to attract top talent from around the world.
