Malta Celebrates Record-Breaking Rise in European Waterpolo Rankings

Malta’s national waterpolo programme has reached its highest continental standing ever, according to the newly published 2026 European Aquatics national team rankings. The men’s team secured 13th place with 11,442.5 points, placing just behind Georgia and ahead of Türkiye, Slovenia, Slovakia, Israel and Bulgaria. The women’s squad continued its steady upward trajectory, finishing 18th overall, while Malta’s combined ranking settled at 15th, reflecting consistent progress across senior and youth levels.

This ranking surge follows Malta’s historic run at the 2026 European Championships in Belgrade, where the men’s team clinched 13th place after a dramatic 14–13 victory over Slovenia, marking the nation’s best-ever finish at the tournament. The result capped a campaign that included standout performances from Ivan Nagaev, Steven Camilleri and Dale Galea, with Camilleri emerging as one of the championship’s top scorers. Total WaterpoloTotal Waterpolo. Malta finishes in 13th place, Slovakia ends its losing streak - Total Waterpolo

European Aquatics noted that rankings are calculated over three years of senior and age‑group competitions, with recent results weighted more heavily a system that has benefited Malta’s improved consistency across U20, U18 and U16 levels. The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta has attributed the nation’s rise to stronger domestic structures, enhanced youth development, and increased exposure to elite European competition.

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