Get ready for a thrilling Day 9 at the Belgrade 2026 European Water Polo Championships, where rivalries will be tested, legacies will be challenged, and every match could rewrite the history books. But here's where it gets controversial: Can anyone stop Serbia's dominance on home soil, or will Hungary finally break the curse? Let’s dive into the previews that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Men’s European Water Polo Championships, Belgrade 2026
Match Previews, Day 9 – Sunday 18 January
(Local times shown)
Group Stage II – Group E
15:30 France v Spain
Spain is on fire! After a setback against Serbia, they’ve delivered back-to-back masterclasses, crushing the Netherlands 14-7 and Montenegro 14-6. Their relentless form makes France’s task look daunting. And this is the part most people miss: While Spain has dominated historically, France has snagged two upset wins—one in the 2018 Europa Cup prelims (9-6) and another in the 2022 World League qualifications (14-11). Yet, on the grand stage, Spain reigns supreme, including a 10-8 victory at the Paris Olympics. At the Europeans, Spain leads 3-0 in their last three meetings. Fun fact: Spain’s firepower comes from Alberto Munarriz (15 goals), Unai Biel (11), and Alvaro Granados (10 in just three matches). But Bernat Sanahuja’s 11.1% shooting accuracy raises questions—can he step up?
18:00 Montenegro v Netherlands
Both teams are out of semis contention, but the stakes are still sky-high. Why? Their final ranking here could determine qualification for the 2027 World Championships in Budapest. Montenegro holds a 4-0 head-to-head advantage in major tournaments, including a 13-6 win in Belgrade a decade ago. Controversial question: Can Branko Mitrovic, the Montenegrin coaching the Netherlands, outwit his homeland’s legacy? Or will Dejan Savic, Serbia’s legend coaching Montenegro, seal the deal? Fun fact: Mitrovic has fond Belgrade memories, leading the Dutch U18 team to the 2022 Europeans semis here.
20:30 Hungary v Serbia
The match of the day pits two water polo titans against each other. Hungary, the most successful nation in Europeans history, faces an unprecedented challenge: beating Serbia in Belgrade. The Serbs are undefeated here across three editions (2006, 2016, 2026), boasting an 18-0 record. Historically, Hungary leads 13-9 in European clashes, but Serbia dominates the new millennium 7-4. Bold prediction: Could Hungary’s recent wins—a 16-7 thrashing in 2022 and a shootout victory in 2024—signal a shift? Or will Serbia’s home advantage prevail? Fun fact: Eight Serbian players have Hungarian club ties, including Dusan Mandic (Ferencvaros) and Nikola Jaksic (2019 CL winner).
13th-16th Classification
10:15 Malta v Slovenia
Malta needs just one point to secure 13th place, but Slovenia is hungry for revenge after a 13-9 loss in 2022. A Slovenian win in regular time would flip the standings. Did you know? Malta’s consistency in this classification phase contrasts with Slovenia’s shootout rollercoaster.
12:45 Slovakia v Israel
If Malta wins earlier, the victor here could claim 14th place. Slovakia seeks their first win, while Israel aims to build on their shootout triumph over the Slovaks. Historical twist: Slovakia won their only European meeting 15-9 in 2022—will history repeat?
Watch Live & Stay Updated
Catch all the action live on Eurovision Sport. For schedules, results, and tables, visit European Aquatics. Grab your tickets at tickets.rs and follow European Aquatics Water Polo on social media for updates.
Final Thought: With Serbia’s home fortress, Spain’s scorching form, and Hungary’s historic quest, Day 9 promises drama. But what do you think? Can Hungary crack the Belgrade code, or will Serbia reign supreme? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
