Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Nearly 30 countries will send their top artistic swimmers to compete in the fourth stage of the 2026 World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup in Pontevedra, Spain. The event, held from 29 to 31 May, features medals across eight events.
Spain, the Olympic team bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Games, is among the main contenders. The Spanish team features several major medal winners, notably led by Iris Tio Casas.
Before turning 22, Iris Tio Casas had already won Olympic, World, and European honors. In 2025, she became the first artistic swimmer to secure World Championship titles in all four disciplines: solo, women’s duet, mixed duet, and team. She was named World and European Artistic Swimmer of the Year for 2025. This season, she has focused on training but will return to competition in Pontevedra, participating in solo, duet, and team events. Tio Casas said preparing for multiple events is physically and mentally challenging but provides greater opportunities for improvement. She expressed excitement about competing at home, supported by family and fans, which helps manage competition nerves.
After the 2024 Olympics, former Spanish star Andrea Fuentes, a four-time Olympic medalist, became Spain’s head coach. Prior to this, she coached the USA to a silver medal. Since her return, Spain has won nine medals at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, more than any other nation. Fuentes is credited with innovative choreography, including a viral team routine to the Backstreet Boys’ song “Backstreet’s Back.” The Spanish team has maintained strong communication and cohesion under her leadership.