Russia will be given its highest profile platform since its sporting exile at the World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup finals in Sydney in July this year.
Russia's women's water polo team defeated Canada 24-6 in the Division II World Cup semifinal in Malta. The victory advances Russia to Sunday's final against the winner of China vs Croatia, and secures qualification for the World Cup Superfinal in Sydney (July 22-26). This marks Russia's first international competition since their 2022 suspension, and the first Russian national team to compete under their flag since sanctions after World Aquatics lifted restrictions on April 13.
Russia's women's water polo team defeated Brazil 22-5 in quarterfinals at the 2026 Women's Water Polo World Cup in Malta, advancing to face the winner of Canada vs Great Britain. Russia finished first in Division 2 with three wins (vs Argentina 33-11, Germany 26-4, South Africa), marking their first international team competition since 2022 under their national flag and anthem after World Aquatics lifted sanctions in April.
Russia's women's water polo team defeated South Africa 27-5 at the 2026 Women's Water Polo World Cup in Malta, finishing 3-0 in Group Stage with wins over Argentina (33-11), Germany (26-4), and South Africa. The team finished first in Division 2 with nine points, securing a quarterfinal berth. This marks Russia's first international team competition since 2022 competing under their national flag and anthem after World Aquatics lifted sanctions on April 13.
The Russian team is currently at the top of the tournament’s standings with six points
In its next group stage match, Russia will play against Germany on April 22
World Aquatics will allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete with their national flags and anthems for the first time since 2022, a move welcomed by Russia but condemned by Ukraine as "unacceptable and disgraceful."
