Malta U16 Seal Historic 11th Place at World Championships

Malta’s U16 men’s water polo team achieved a landmark result in Zagreb, finishing 11th in the World at the 2026 World Aquatics Men’s U16 Championships the nation’s highest-ever placement at this level. Across a demanding seven‑day tournament, the young Maltese side delivered disciplined, high‑tempo performances that underlined the growing depth of local talent.

Four Maltese players earned Player of the Match recognition, highlighting the squad’s collective impact. Luigi Gatt and Luca Schiavone each claimed the award twice, while Jake Simpson and Benji Lewis added their names to the tournament’s standout list. Their contributions were pivotal in Malta’s competitive showings against some of the sport’s traditional powerhouses.

The team was expertly led by head coach Paul Privitera, with assistant coaches David Cutajar and Stephen Rizzo providing tactical support throughout the campaign. Team manager Silvio Borg ensured smooth operations off the pool deck, while physio Keith Magro kept the squad in top condition during the intense schedule.

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