~ World Aquatics will debut the inaugural World Aquatics Water Polo 4x4 Open Championships this September in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The event will introduce a new four-on-four format, designed to complement traditional water polo and expand the sport’s reach.
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 07.03.2026) :: The world’s newest water polo format is ready to take the stage. From 31 August to 6 September 2026, Dubrovnik, Croatia, will host the inaugural Water Polo 4x4 Open Championships, the first-ever global showcase of four-on-four water polo.
Water Polo 4x4 (“WP4”) features four players per team, a smaller field of play, and a shorter shot clock, creating a fast-paced and engaging style of play. This format is adaptable to both open water and urban areas, aiming to attract new audiences and broaden the sport’s appeal.
Historic Venue for a New Global Discipline
Selecting Dubrovnik highlights both tradition and innovation. The historic city along the Adriatic Sea has hosted open-water water polo for over a century, including the Wild League, an annual amateur competition that concludes with a final in the Old Town harbour.
Open Call to All Member Federations
World Aquatics and the Croatian organisers invite all Member Federations as well as Masters Club teams to participate in the inaugural Open Championship. The event will feature an Elite National Team division, composed of national teams nominated by their respective National Federations, as well as a Masters division, open to club and Masters teams applying independently.
Additional details on registration, qualification, and competition procedures will be provided later in March.
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