Russian water polo players defeated the Argentine team in the first match of the World Cup

The Russian women's national water polo team, for the first time since 2022, performing under its own flag and anthem, beat the Argentine team with a score of 33:11 in the first round match of the preliminary stage of the World Cup. The meeting was held on April 21 in Malta.

In the second round of the division, which will be held on April 22, the Russian team will play against the German national team. A total of 15 teams are participating in the competition, each playing three matches. Based on the results of these meetings, the eight best teams will be selected to advance to the quarterfinals. The finalists will get the right to play in the superfinal of the World Cup in Sydney.

Beautiful polo: the Russian women's national team will play at the World Cup with a flag and anthem

Our water polo players will start in the second division with matches against Argentina, Germany and South Africa.

The 2026 World Cup was the first international tournament for the Russian women's national team after it was suspended in 2022. The Russian national anthem was played before the meeting.

On April 13, the International Federation of Water Sports (World Aquatics) allowed Russian athletes to compete with a flag and an anthem. The president of the organization, Hussein al-Musallam, said that over the past three years, the federation has successfully helped to avoid conflicts outside of sports competitions. He also stressed that World Aquatics is determined to ensure that pools remain places where athletes from all countries can come together.