The 2026 Women's European U-20 Water Polo Championship was the 16th edition of the Women's European U-20 Water Polo Championship, organized by Europe's governing aquatics body, European Aquatics. The tournament was played in Oeiras, Portugal, from 1 to 7 August 2026. Starting this edition, the age level has changed from U19 to U20.
Portugal was given the hosting rights, with Oeiras as the host venue. This was the third time the country hosted the event, after 2002 and 2018.
20 teams participated in the tournament, four more than the previous edition. Hungary secured their second overall title with a penalty shootout victory over Spain in the final,
Participating teams Twenty teams took part. Czech Republic, Ireland, Portugal, Serbia and Switzerland returned, while Bulgaria and Slovakia were the only teams to not enter after taking part in 2024.
Russia was allowed to enter after their ban was lifted. In official statistics, the Russian team was listed as "Neutral Athletes B".
+EventDateLocationQuotasNationsParticipated in the2024 European Championship24–31 August 2024 Zagreb14Didn't participate in 20246
Format The 20 teams were sorted into two divisions. The top eight teams made Division 1 and the other 12 Division 2. Division 1 was split into two groups of four teams while Division 2 was split into four groups of three teams. The top two teams from each group of Division 1 advanced directly to the quarterfinals, while the bottom two teams from each group played against Division 2 group winners in the crossover round. Starting with quarterfinals onward, the regular knock-out system with consolation playoffs and final classification matches was used.
Draw The draw took place on 16 February 2026. The seeding was based off the results of the 2024 European Championship and Women's national team rankings.
Preliminary round Division 1 Group A
Group B
Division 2 Group C
Group D
Group E
Group F
13th–16th place classification
17th–20th place classification
Championship playoffs
5th–8th place playoffs
9th–12th place playoffs
Final standings
RankTeam4567891011121314151617181920
References
External links
Official website