Malta’s U16 Men’s National Water Polo Team has departed from Malta International Airport ahead of the World Aquatics Men’s U16 Water Polo Championships 2026, which will be held in Zagreb, Croatia, from 3 to 9 August.

The young Maltese side will face a demanding group-stage programme, with four matches scheduled over the opening days of the tournament.

Malta will begin its campaign on Monday, 3 August, when they face China (CHN) at 20:35.

The team will return to the pool the following day, Tuesday, 4 August, for a match against Mexico (MEX), scheduled for 16:05.

On Wednesday, 5 August, Malta will take on Croatia (CRO) at 19:00, before completing the scheduled group fixtures against South Africa (RSA) on Thursday, 6 August, at 14:35.

The official #TeamMalta schedule is:

• Monday, 3 August – 20:35: China vs Malta
• Tuesday, 4 August – 16:05: Mexico vs Malta
• Wednesday, 5 August – 19:00: Croatia vs Malta
• Thursday, 6 August – 14:35: South Africa vs Malta

The World Aquatics Men’s U16 Water Polo Championships will bring together some of the leading young water polo nations, with the tournament taking place in Zagreb through Sunday, 9 August.

For the Maltese players, the championships provide an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition and gain valuable experience at global level.

The Malta delegation will now turn its attention to the opening fixture against China as the team begins its World Championships campaign in Croatia.