The countdown is on for the World Aquatics Women’s U18 Water Polo Championships, with Puerto de la Cruz set to welcome the world’s best young players from 16 to 23 August.
The tournament will take place at the Tenerife Aquatic Sports Centre (CDAT), a newly opened facility managed by the Cabildo de Tenerife, and will bring together 20 national teams from five continents for eight days of international competition.
Spain Looking Forward to Playing in Tenerife
Spain’s head coach Carla Fargas believes hosting the tournament on the island gives her squad an extra boost.
“The team is training really well and I’m very happy with all the players. We’ve built a fantastic group both in and out of the water,” she said.
She added that playing a World Championship on home soil is a rare opportunity.
“Not everyone gets the chance to play a World Championship at home. Competing in Tenerife in front of our own supporters is something very special.”
Fargas also praised the island’s growing commitment to the sport.
“Tenerife is investing in water polo. The number of players is growing and the facilities continue to improve. Playing in the new Cabildo pool in Puerto de la Cruz will be a real privilege, and we’re going there to compete for the title.”
Puerto de la Cruz Hosts Global Event
Around 400 athletes aged 17 and 18 will compete during the championship, with support from the Cabildo de Tenerife, Turismo de Tenerife, the Canary Islands Government and Puerto de la Cruz Town Hall.
The tournament will feature matches every day from morning until evening, making it one of the biggest international sporting events ever held at the venue.
Spain’s Group Stage Fixtures
Spain enter the tournament as the defending world champions and have been drawn into Group B alongside Croatia, China and the United States.
Their opening fixtures are:
- 16 August: Croatia vs Spain (7:30pm)
- 17 August: USA vs Spain (7:30pm)
- 18 August: China vs Spain (7:30pm)
The championship begins on 16 August with Turkey vs New Zealand at 9:00am, while the final will be played on 23 August at 7:30pm.
Free Tickets Available
Spectators can attend the tournament free of charge, with complimentary passes available through the official ticketing platform.
With the world’s top young talent arriving in Tenerife, the event is expected to further strengthen the island’s growing reputation as a destination for international sport.