SINGAPORE—Greece’s national women’s water polo team was crowned world champion after a convincing 12-9 victory over Hungary in the final at the
OCBC Aquatic Centre on July 23. The win marks Greece’s second world title, coming 14 years after their first in 2011.
Led by head coach Haris Pavlidis, the Greek side exhibited superior tactical discipline and offensive precision to overcome a Hungarian team that had handed them their only defeat of the tournament during the group stage. Greece took control of the final early, building a commanding 8-4 lead by halftime and extending it to 12-6 in the final quarter.
Standout performances came from goalkeeper Ioanna Stamatopoulou, who made crucial saves, and scorers Foteini Tricha and Eleni Xenaki, who each contributed three goals. The Greeks’ success was built on a stifling defense, which held the high-powered Hungarian offense to single-digit scoring. The triumph caps a remarkable year for Greece, which also defeated Hungary in the 2025 World Cup final in April.
Spain clinches bronze in thrilling contest against USA
In a tightly contested bronze medal match, Spain defeated the United States 13-12, securing their place on an all-European podium for only the third time in the history of the women’s tournament. Despite controlling most of the game and establishing a four-goal lead in the third period, Spain had to weather a ferocious American comeback.
The young American side battled back to close the deficit, but goals from Paula Camus and Bea Ortiz provided just enough breathing room for the reigning Olympic champions. The USA had two final possessions in the last 1:35 but were unable to produce the tying goal. The bronze medal provides a measure of redemption for Spain after a disappointing semifinal loss. For the USA, it was a tournament of transition with seven new players on the roster, as the team looks ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.